What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are those purplish, twisted, rope-like veins that stick out from under the skin. They most commonly occur on the legs because of the pressure that's put on legs from walking, standing, and even sitting. But make no mistake about it. Varicose veins aren't just unattractive. If left untreated, they can lead to more life-threatening health problems, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that can cause blood clots. Varicose veins are caused by poor blood circulation, and poor circulation is always a problem. If you're someone who suffers from varicose veins, especially if they have become painful, you should learn about your condition and possibly seek treatment. Following is information about varicose veins, causes, risk factors, and when to seek a doctor's care.
Signs and symptoms
Varicose veins are gnarled, discolored veins that occur most often on the legs, but can develop in other areas of the body. The most common signs that you may be suffering from varicose veins include pain or heaviness in the affected areas (especially when varicose veins occur in the legs), pain that gets worse when sitting for long periods of time or standing, itching in affected areas, throbbing in affected and surrounding areas, and burning in affected and surrounding areas.
Causes and risk factors
Among the most common of all risk factors for developing varicose veins is age. People over the age of 40 are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins than those who are younger because poor blood circulation typically occurs more often as we age. Another significant risk factor in the development of varicose veins is obesity. Those who are overweight, especially if they are significantly overweight, are at a much greater risk because of the additional pressure that is placed on legs from extra weight. Other significant risk factors for varicose veins include pregnancy, hormonal changes, hormone replacement therapy, and heredity. Finally, one of the most significant risk factors for developing varicose veins is standing or sitting for long periods of time. Because poor blood circulation often leads to varicose veins, it's important for those who stand or sit for long periods of time to move around often, change positions often, and get up and walk around periodically in order to get the blood flowing properly.
Difference between varicose veins and spider veins
Spider veins are varicose veins, but the term 'spider vein' typically is used for the milder version of varicose veins. Spider veins are more common than varicose veins, and they're usually just considered a cosmetic problem. Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins, and they occur just under the surface of the skin. Varicose veins occur deeper under the skin and are more of a health hazard than spider veins. Varicose veins can lead to serious health complications, including blood clots, pulmonary embolism, and even death.
Prevention
As with any health issue, the best cure is prevention. Leading a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to avoid the development of varicose veins because a healthy lifestyle promotes proper blood circulation throughout the body. Additionally, it's important to avoid wearing high heels or tight clothes. Compression stockings are helpful in promoting healthy blood flow. Additionally, for those whose jobs require them to stand or sit for long periods of time, it's important to move around periodically in order to promote proper circulation.
Treatments
A few of the most popular treatments for varicose veins are the VeinGogh procedure, laser Sclerotherapy, and injection Sclerotherapy. VeinGogh uses heat produced by an electrical current in order to collapse unhealthy veins and redirect blood flow to healthier veins. Laser Sclerotherapy seals off varicose veins, also redirecting the blood that's pooling in them into healthier veins. Injection Sclerotherapy in New Jersey uses an injection of a sclerosing solution into damaged veins in order to collapse veins and redirect pooling blood. All of these are effective and virtually pain-free therapies that are offered at vein treatment centers.
Varicose veins aren't just unsightly. They don't just keep you from wearing your favorite little black dress or your most stylish swimsuit. Because they're caused by poor blood circulation in the body, varicose veins can cause serious health problems. They can be painful, and they can even lead to life-threatening conditions. If you're a sufferer of varicose veins, contact a top vein center to schedule a consultation regarding treatment. Because varicose veins can lead to serious health complications, treatment may be the answer for you.
Signs and symptoms
Varicose veins are gnarled, discolored veins that occur most often on the legs, but can develop in other areas of the body. The most common signs that you may be suffering from varicose veins include pain or heaviness in the affected areas (especially when varicose veins occur in the legs), pain that gets worse when sitting for long periods of time or standing, itching in affected areas, throbbing in affected and surrounding areas, and burning in affected and surrounding areas.
Causes and risk factors
Among the most common of all risk factors for developing varicose veins is age. People over the age of 40 are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins than those who are younger because poor blood circulation typically occurs more often as we age. Another significant risk factor in the development of varicose veins is obesity. Those who are overweight, especially if they are significantly overweight, are at a much greater risk because of the additional pressure that is placed on legs from extra weight. Other significant risk factors for varicose veins include pregnancy, hormonal changes, hormone replacement therapy, and heredity. Finally, one of the most significant risk factors for developing varicose veins is standing or sitting for long periods of time. Because poor blood circulation often leads to varicose veins, it's important for those who stand or sit for long periods of time to move around often, change positions often, and get up and walk around periodically in order to get the blood flowing properly.
Difference between varicose veins and spider veins
Spider veins are varicose veins, but the term 'spider vein' typically is used for the milder version of varicose veins. Spider veins are more common than varicose veins, and they're usually just considered a cosmetic problem. Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins, and they occur just under the surface of the skin. Varicose veins occur deeper under the skin and are more of a health hazard than spider veins. Varicose veins can lead to serious health complications, including blood clots, pulmonary embolism, and even death.
Prevention
As with any health issue, the best cure is prevention. Leading a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to avoid the development of varicose veins because a healthy lifestyle promotes proper blood circulation throughout the body. Additionally, it's important to avoid wearing high heels or tight clothes. Compression stockings are helpful in promoting healthy blood flow. Additionally, for those whose jobs require them to stand or sit for long periods of time, it's important to move around periodically in order to promote proper circulation.
Treatments
A few of the most popular treatments for varicose veins are the VeinGogh procedure, laser Sclerotherapy, and injection Sclerotherapy. VeinGogh uses heat produced by an electrical current in order to collapse unhealthy veins and redirect blood flow to healthier veins. Laser Sclerotherapy seals off varicose veins, also redirecting the blood that's pooling in them into healthier veins. Injection Sclerotherapy in New Jersey uses an injection of a sclerosing solution into damaged veins in order to collapse veins and redirect pooling blood. All of these are effective and virtually pain-free therapies that are offered at vein treatment centers.
Varicose veins aren't just unsightly. They don't just keep you from wearing your favorite little black dress or your most stylish swimsuit. Because they're caused by poor blood circulation in the body, varicose veins can cause serious health problems. They can be painful, and they can even lead to life-threatening conditions. If you're a sufferer of varicose veins, contact a top vein center to schedule a consultation regarding treatment. Because varicose veins can lead to serious health complications, treatment may be the answer for you.