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Vein Treatments
What are varicose veins and spider veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that appear cord-like and bulging.
They are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin and
appear anywhere on the legs leg.
Spider veins are small veins red or blue in color and near the
surface of the skin of the legs and appear like spider webs or
even small branches.
What causes varicose veins and spider veins?
The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the
whole body. Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the body
parts. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the
heart.
Veins have one-way valves that allow blood to return to the heart
and not flow back. If the valves malfunction blood flows backwards
and distends the veins causing varicose veins. This flowing backwards
and pooling is called venous insufficiency. Veins in the body
serve only purpose in the body and that is to return blood back
to the heart and does so by being a valve pump unit. Problems
or disease with them can be summarized as obstruction or valve
malfunction.
Spider veins can also be caused by the backup of blood. Hormone
changes, inherited factors, and exposure to the sun can also cause
spider veins.
How common are abnormal leg veins?
About 50 to 55% of American women and 40 to 45% of American men
suffer from some form of vein problem. Varicose veins affect 1
out of 2 people age 50 and older.
Who usually has varicose veins and spider veins?
Many factors increase a person's chances of developing varicose
or spider veins.
These include:
- Increasing Age
- Family tendency or being born with weak vein valves
- Hormonal changes. These occur during puberty, pregnancy,
and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medicines
containing estrogen and progesterone as in hormone replacement
therapy increase the risk of varicose or spider veins
- Pregnancy. During pregnancy there is a huge increase in
the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge.
The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose
veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. A growing
number of abnormal veins usually appear with each additional pregnancy
- Obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing can weaken vein
valves
- Previous phlebitis
Why do varicose veins and spider veins usually appear in
the legs?
The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task
of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make
legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins. Leg veins
have the most downward pressure and this can be stronger than the
veins' resistance.
Are varicose veins and spider veins painful or dangerous?
Spider veins usually do not need medical treatment but can be treated
for their unsightly appearance. Varicose veins usually enlarge and
worsen over time and can then cause health problems.
These include:
- Severe venous insufficiency. The pooling of blood in the
veins slows the return of blood to the heart. This condition can
cause blood clots and severe infections. Blood clots can be very
dangerous because they can move from leg veins and travel to the
lungs. Blood clots in the lungs are life-threatening because they
can block the heart and lungs from functioning.
- Long term existence of varicose veins can lead to skin
ulcers and even bleeding.
- Ongoing irritation, swelling and painful rashes of the
legs.
What are the signs of varicose veins?
Some common symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Aching pain or cramps
- Easily tired legs
- Leg heaviness or discomfort
- Swelling in the legs
- Darkening of the skin (in severe cases)
- Numbness in the legs
- Itching or irritated rash in the legs
How can I prevent varicose veins and spider veins?
Not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. But some things
can reduce your chances of getting new varicose and spider veins.
These same things can help ease discomfort from the ones you already
have:
- Walking or running will strengthen venous circulation.
- Control your weight to avoid placing too much pressure
on your legs.
- Do not cross your legs when prolonged sitting.
- Elevate your legs when resting as much as possible.
- Do not stand or sit for long periods of time. If you must
stand for a long time, shift your weight from one leg to the other
every few minutes. If you must sit for long periods of time, stand
up and move around or take a short walk every 30 minutes.
- Wear elastic support stockings and avoid tight clothing
that constricts your waist, groin, or legs.
- Eat a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods. Eating fiber
reduces the chances of constipation which can contribute to varicose
veins. Eating too much salt can cause you to retain water or swell.
Treatment is aimed at controlling the signs and symptoms of varicose
veins.
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