Learning Much More About Varicose Veins

The unsightly enlargement of veins near the surface of the skin are varicose veins. They are most common in the legs, because of the weight that they bear on a regular basis, but can occur anywhere. While they are not usually serious, occasionally the problem can be indicative of or lead to other issues.

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.

Varicose veins are usually not serious, but can occasionally occur in response to blood clots, vein abnormalities, either congenital or acquired, or tumors. When you first notice them, you should have the condition examined by a doctor to make sure that there is no serious problem. Affected veins are visible on the surface of the skin, and your doctor will look at your legs while you are standing to diagnose them. Typically, no other test is required, but if deep vein abnormalities are suspected, an ultrasound may be performed.

Treatment for the problem can either be medical or at home. At home treatments consist of compression stockings, elevating your legs, staying off your feet for long periods of time, and losing weight if you are overweight or obese. Exercise improves circulation, and walking, biking, swimming and doing other exercise is recommended as well. The same methods that are recommended for home treatment may be used to help prevent the development of the problem in people at high risk.

There are no medications commonly prescribed for varicose veins, and medical treatments usually consist of laser, radio frequency and sclerotherapy, with surgery reserved for large veins. Sclerotherapy is the injection of a chemical into an affected vein, which then scars closed. It is most effective on small veins. Laser and radio frequency treatments work in a similar manner, but can be employed on larger veins. The biggest veins typically 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 the Nori MI vein clinic.