How to Avoid and to Treat Varicose Veins

We’ve all had high school biology and know that veins are the vessels that carry blood and circulate it throughout the body. But sometimes they can bulge. These bulging, visible veins are varicose veins. We know they look bad, and we don’t want them!

But they are more than a cosmetic issue. They are often associated with symptoms of tiredness and heavy, painful limbs. In severe cases, the veins can rupture, forming open sores. They most often occur in our thighs or calves.

Let us look at how to avoid and treat varicose veins.

Causes of Varicose Veins

There is no one cause of varicose veins. They are caused by complications in the valves in our veins preventing proper flow and circulation of blood. They can also be caused by weakness of the valves in our veins resulting in pooling of blood. In addition, a number of diseases like congenital abnormalities or phlebitis can lead to varicose veins.

Diagnosis of Varicose Veins

Your doctor can diagnose varicose veins after performing an examination of the affected area. If you have them, you should call your doctor. Then you can describe any pain you’re having with them. In some cases, an ultrasound is conducted to determine if your veins are functioning normally or whether there is blood clotting.

Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose vein treatment differs with the extent of how badly they’re affecting your body. If they are not severe, you will probably use self-care treatment that involves exercising, elevating your legs, weight loss, avoiding wearing tight clothes as well as not standing or sitting for long periods of time. Self-care treatment helps to ease pain or prevents them from getting worse. In most cases, your doctor will advise you to wear compression socks to squeeze your muscles and help your veins move blood efficiently. In extreme cases, varicose veins treatment in the hospital is needed. This treatment will be through laser surgery, high ligation and vein tripping, ambulatory phlebectomy, endoscopic vein surgery and sclerotherapy among other medical treatments.

How to Avoid Varicose Veins

Varicose veins develop due to a number of reasons, so it is possible to avoid them. Avoid standing or sitting in one position for long periods since it is difficult for blood to travel through your legs against gravity. You should lead a healthy lifestyle including a proper diet and exercise to help with proper blood circulation in your body. When a woman is pregnant, she is at a higher risk for this condition. Doctors sometimes advise sleeping on the left side to reduce pressure on the muscles. Occasionally they’ll tell you to wear compression socks to keep the vein valves in the right position.

In a nutshell, varicose veins is a health condition that occurs in the veins in your legs. You may experience pain or swelling of these veins. If you do, see your medical doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. If your case is not severe, self-treatment through exercise and proper dieting will probably be advised. The main cause of varicose veins is a weakness in the valves. It is possible to avoid them by proper dieting, exercising, and avoiding instances of standing or sitting for a long period of time since this can cause pressure on your legs.

Have you experienced varicose veins? What did you do or are you doing for treatment? I’m sure we’d all find your advice helpful!