subject: Getting A Leg Up on Varicose Veins [print this page] Getting A Leg Up on Varicose Veins Getting A Leg Up on Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are problematic for both men and women, although it is mainly women that suffer from them. These twisted, swollen veins can make people feel self conscious and in some cases cause pain and discomfort. Although varicose veins occur mostly on a person's legs than can appear anywhere. For some people they are merely an eye sore while other's suffer with them and could have the potential for greater risks like ulcerations.
Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins no longer work properly. Leg veins pump blood back to the heart with the help of leg muscles. Varicose veins are more likely to occur in the legs because this pumping the blood back up to the heart is against gravity. When the valves stop working there is an increased collection of blood within the vein and they become enlarged.
Varicose veins happen for a variety of reasons that include a congenital defect within the veins, to pregnancy or extended standing or walking. Most varicose veins occur in secondary veins. Secondary veins only carry about 10% of the blood back up to the heart so for the majority of sufferers varicose veins is not a serious condition that is mostly cosmetic and is able to be treated very easily.
The main symptom of varicose veins are the appearance of the veins themselves. They look like swollen reddish to brownish veins or what is called "spider" veins since the way the branch off look like spiders. Other symptoms can include a heaviness to the affected leg, cramping or itching. In more severe cases a person can experience pain that would limit activities or ulcerations especially near the ankles. When varicose veins cause these kind of problems medical attention is needed.
For most people varicose veins are more of a cosmetic problem than a health concern. Whichever the case may be treatment for them is typically simple and with little to no risk. For minor cases keeping your legs elevated or wearing supportive hose can help them from progressing. If further treatment is needed there are several options that range from surgery to less invasive treatments like a closure procedure from VNUS. In a closure procedure a doctor closes off the affected vein by inserting a catheter. When the vein is closed off the blood supply finds a healthier vein to travel through leaving the varicose vein to shrink.
Whether your varicose veins are a minor annoyance or something that is affecting your quality of life they are typically not a cause for concern. Minor treatments can usually remedy the problem and take away the veins.
