Learn About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a mostly cosmetic health condition where you develop large, bulging veins under the skin of your legs, feet, and anywhere else on the body. Even though they are under the skin, you may still see the veins through the skin because they appear thick with a dark blue or purple color. 

The reason for the condition is due to damaged vein walls or valves from living a sedentary lifestyle, age, hormonal changes, high blood pressure, obesity, or pregnancy. Varicose veins can also be hereditary if there is a family history of parents or siblings with the condition. 

The Symptoms and Risks of Varicose Veins

The early stages of varicose veins may not always be visible through the skin. That is why you should pay attention to both the cosmetic and non-cosmetic symptoms associated with varicose veins. They include:

• Large bluish or purplish veins
• Leg cramps or aches
• Swollen legs
• Leg pain after sitting or standing too long
• The vein area has a burning feeling, discoloration, or itchiness

Visit your primary care physician if you experience any of these symptoms for extended periods. Most doctors can diagnose varicose veins by performing one physical examination. 

But for extra verification, your doctor can administer an ultrasound on the veins in your legs to see how well blood flows through them. If there appear to be disruptions or abnormalities in the blood flow, the doctor will have further evidence to diagnose you as having varicose veins.  

Most cases of varicose veins are benign and unharmful to your long-term physical health. If you need treatment to deal with any symptoms you experience, your doctor will recommend simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies to reduce pain and discomfort.

However, a small percentage of people with varicose veins could develop more severe health issues resulting from the condition, including skin problems, high blood pressure, blood clots, bleeding, and painful ulcers. 

High blood pressure and blood clots are the most serious because they can damage and inflame the arteries in your heart if left untreated for too long. Then, you’ll have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular issues, such as a heart attack or stroke.

The Treatments for Varicose Veins

Over-the-counter remedies are used to treat minor symptoms of varicose veins to see if they reduce the symptoms temporarily. As for a long-term solution, try establishing a lifestyle change for yourself that targets the common causes of varicose veins. If you are a doctor, you might consider vein training courses to learn how to treat varicose veins.  

Here are some potentially effective changes you could make in your lifestyle to deal with varicose veins:

• Develop a regular cardiovascular exercise regimen where you move your legs and body for at least 20 to 30 minutes daily.
• Put compression stockings on your legs to apply pressure to the leg veins and muscles to stimulate blood flow to the heart.
• Elevate your legs and feet above your chest at least twice daily
• Apply varicose vein lotion and cream to the affected areas

If your varicose vein symptoms worsen or remain the same after changing your lifestyle and using over-the-counter treatments, the next option is to seek professional medical treatment. The two most effective professional treatments for varicose veins are the following:

• Varicose vein surgery to close the vein and redirect the blood flow
• Laser treatment to direct light bursts to the varicose veins to make them shrink and disappear

Consult your doctor to discover the best treatment options for your varicose vein problem.