subject: Relief From Painful Varicose Veins [print this page] Varicose veins are enlarged, abnormally shaped, bulging veins that appear near the surface of the skin on the ankles, feet, calves and thighs. The most common causes for this disorder are heredity, occupations where people stand throughout the day, obesity, pregnancy, weight lifting and increasing age. The medical terms for varicose veins are chronic venous insufficiency or venous reflux disease. In this condition, the malfunctioning of the valves inside the veins results from prolonged pressure or obstruction due to standing or sitting for long periods. As the valves are tiny and easily prone to damage, the blood pools in the legs, eventually leaking into surrounding tissues and resulting in leg ulcers or blood clots.
Spider veins are tiny winding lines, red, blue or purple, on the legs of adult men and women, appearing like the lines on a map. Occasionally spider veins are painful but usually leg pain, cramping or restless legs are due to underlying varicose veins which may or may not be visible.
A simple duplex ultrasound test can help diagnose varicose veins even when they are not visible on the skin. Most insurance companies cover the cost of diagnosing and treating painful varicose veins.
There are various treatments for curing vein problems ranging from new procedures called endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), Foam Sclerotherapy and Spider Vein Sclerotherapy.
If your doctor finds that you have mild varicose veins, treatment is possible with some precautions and lifestyle changes like:
Periodically elevating your feet while resting.
Taking breaks in between long standing and sitting occupations. Flexing muscles to increase blood flow.
Wearing compression hosiery.
Daily 30 minute walks.
Taking hot Epsom Salt baths.
Increasing the intake of vegetables juices.
Massage of legs.
Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet.
However if the problem persists, it is advisable to see a vein specialist at Varicose veins treatment Prescott. The latest technique called endovenous laser ablation, or EVLA, is fast, painless and very effective. It involves a nonsurgical laser procedure in which the laser fiber is inserted into the damaged vein. This helps in redirecting the blood into normal veins, which carry it back to the heart. For spider vein treatment, foam sclerotherapy is the gold standard. No anesthesia is required while a small butterfly needle is used to deliver an FDA approved sclerosant chemical to the veins. These treatments are safe and effective, providing patients with welcome relief from these painful conditions.
