Varicose veins are large twisted superficial veins in the legs caused by the pooling of blood in the legs due to standing, which puts a lot of pressure on the veins in the legs. Valves and muscles in the legs help to pump blood back to the heart, but in varicose veins, these valves have been damaged in such a way that they are unable to prevent the backflow of blood inside the veins in the legs.
Most people seek treatment for varicose veins because they are worried about their image. Varicose veins can be managed by doing exercises and elevating your legs, or you can get cosmetic vein treatment in Lake Mary to help improve your confidence in your physical appearance. This treatment is safe and will reduce any discomfort that you may be experiencing because of varicose veins.
What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?
Many people with varicose veins rarely have any pain. Varicose veins are more of a cosmetic problem than a medical emergency. The most common symptom of varicose veins is blue or dark enlarged veins in the legs twisted like cords. Other symptoms of varicose veins is feeling like your legs are heavier than before and feeling itchy in the area with varicose veins.
Some people may also experience muscle cramping in the legs and can feel throbbing or burning. The legs may become swollen in people with varicose veins. The area that surrounds the varicose veins may have a different color than the rest of the leg. People who experience pain due to varicose veins can have worse pain when they stand or sit for prolonged periods.
Who Is at Risk of Varicose Veins?
Old age causes the valves inside the veins to wear and tear, making them unable to prevent blood’s backflow inside the veins. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins during pregnancy and when they have high estrogen levels in the body due to hormonal contraception or hormonal replacement therapy during menopause.
Being overweight puts a lot of pressure on the valves in the legs and can cause them to fail, causing pooling of blood in the legs. Some people are genetically predisposed to getting varicose veins. If you sit or stand for prolonged periods, you are likely to develop varicose veins. Varicose veins can sometimes develop complications like chronic non- healing ulcers in the legs.
These ulcers may get infected and cause the death of tissues in the leg because there is no blood supply to support healing. When the tissues in the leg undergo necrosis, the leg will be amputated. Blood clots may also form inside the veins due to blood stasis, which can be life-threatening if the blood clot is carried to the heart or lung. Sometimes the varicose veins may rupture and bleed.
How Can You Prevent Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins cannot be completely prevented, but there is a way that people who are at high risk of varicose veins to prevent them. The risks can be reduced by weight reduction and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You should exercise regularly and eat a diet that is low in salt. Avoiding wearing high heels and elevating your legs can also reduce varicose veins. Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods.
Conclusion
Varicose veins are large dark bulging veins in the legs caused by the pooling of blood in the legs due to the valves’ failure. Varicose veins rarely cause any pain, but they can present with heaviness in the legs and an itchy feeling. Weight management through exercise and eating a healthy diet while avoiding standing or sitting for prolonged periods can prevent varicose veins’ risk.