Varicose Veins: Get the Facts

Clearly visible underneath the skin, varicose veins are engorged and twisted veins. Although they can develop anywhere in the body, varicose veins mostly develop in the legs.

The signs and symptoms of varicose veins are not many, but the condition is common. At times, they may result in blood clots, sores on the skin, pain that is not severe and other complications.

Outline

Blood is transported from the tissues of the body to the heart by blood vessels known as veins. To get oxygen, the heart pumps blood to the lungs. Blood vessels known as arteries then transport the blood containing oxygen to the body.

Small blood vessels known as capillaries take up blood from the arteries where it feeds the tissues of the body with oxygen. To take up additional oxygen, the veins transport the blood back to the heart.

Veins comprise of one-way valves that enable blood to flow to the direction of the heart. Blood can flow backwards and accumulate in the veins if the valves are feeble or impaired. This results in the veins getting swollen and potentially causing varicose veins.

A number of reasons may increase your chances of forming varicose veins. They include:

• Pregnancy
• Lack of movement
• Family history
• Gender
• Age
• Obesity

Adjustments to your lifestyle and medical processes are both used to cure varicose veins. The aim of treatments is to keep away problems and relieve the symptoms of varicose veins.

There is no similarity between spider veins and varicose veins

Although spider veins and varicose veins are used interchangeably a lot and that they are both unpleasant, they do not refer to the same condition and are not the same. While varicose veins are big veins that are blue and swollen, spider veins are relatively smaller, flat, purple or red. The veins size is what brings in the difference. The majority of women have the small spider veins. The varicose veins are not so common and often need tougher treatments.

• The veins that turn into varicose veins are not a necessity for your body

Although this may appear unbelievable, the veins that form varicose veins are not essential to the circulation process of your body. Your body has two vein systems, the superficial veins, and the deep veins. The superficial veins are nearer to the skin and are not needed in the system. The deep veins are vital in pumping blood to the heart and back. This is why the superficial veins can be treated without causing harm to the body. 

• Effective treatments for varicose veins

It is more effective to treat varicose veins before they have fully developed. One way is to inject saline into the veins. The purpose of the saline is to irritate the veins up to the point where they collapse. Only two treatments are required in not so severe cases. Three or four sessions are normally enough for varicose veins that are mild. For one session, the injections will cost you approximately $350. A small Tylenol will be given to ease the stinging at the place of the injection. Although the majority of individuals are able to move freely the following day, bruising can last for up to two weeks.

• Treatment for enlarged leg veins

These types of veins need treatment that is more invasive. An internal laser such as the Endovenous laser may likely be used for leg veins that are bigger. Although the treatment is same as the laser treatment for moderate veins, the laser in this one normally penetrates the veins and heats them from the inside; this removes the swelling. It is wise to consult with your doctor since the cost varies. By two weeks after the surgery, the majority of the individuals are normally up and about.