Varicose Veins - Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

When veins near the skin become enlarged and obvious, they are referred to as varicose veins. These occur mostly in the legs, because the weight of the body puts the most pressure here but they can show up anywhere. The problem is not usually serious but can occasionally indicate a larger issue.

A normal vein has a one-way valve that only allows blood to flow towards the heart. The valve prevents fluid from building up in the vein by not allowing flow in the direction of gravity. Varicose veins are the result of leaky valves that allow blood to flow in the wrong direction. This blood builds up and puts pressure on the vein walls, which then stretch into the large, visible structures seen on patients.

Potential risk factors for developing varicose veins are pregnancy, standing for long periods of time, heredity, and age. Carrying extra pounds can also contribute to their development. All of these situations, with the exceptions of age and heredity, put excess pressure on the veins in the legs, which can cause the valves to leak.

Generally, the development of varicose veins is benign but every once in a while, they may indicate a larger problem. This problem might be a blood clot, a vein abnormality, or even a tumor. This means that to be safe, you should get your condition examined by a doctor after you notice it. The affected veins will be visible through the skin, and a diagnosis is usually made by simply looking at the legs while the patient stands. There are no other tests performed in most cases, though an ultrasound may be done if deep vein abnormalities are suspected.

At home treatment for varicose veins usually consists of staying off your feet for long periods of time, elevating your legs when possible, wearing compression stockings and attempting to lose weight if necessary. Exercise helps with circulatory issues, so walking, swimming, biking or doing other activities is typically recommended. These treatment methods can also be used as preventative methods in people at a high risk of developing varicose veins.

If your veins need medical treatment, the options are generally excision of the affected veins, laser and radio therapy treatments, or sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is done by injecting a chemical into an affected vein, which then scars shut in response. It gets the best results on smaller veins. Laser and radio therapy treatments also close the veins by inducing scarring, but are effective on somewhat larger veins. The largest veins, though, usually require surgical excision.

After your doctor has made sure that your condition is not the result of a larger issue, he or she will probably recommend watchful waiting. If you aren't in discomfort because of your veins, you probably only need to perform home treatments. Contact your doctor if you experience bleeding from an affected vein, sore developing on an affected limb, or swelling and pain in the area, because any of these could indicate a bigger problem.

There are people who elect to have their varicose veins treated, even though they are not experiencing discomfort. Usually, this is because they find the condition unsightly. There is a risk of the problem reoccurring in other veins, though, so be careful to follow preventative measures afterward if you choose to have your veins treated at Nori Michigan Vein Clinic.