Varicose veins – in a nutshell

Lots of people are worried that they have/might get varicose veins.
I thought that I should provide some thing short and sweet for anyone who wants to know more about this particular condition.
Obviously this is a problem affecting the veins of the body, most commonly the legs.
Blood vessels that carry blood from the various parts of the body to the heart are known as veins, they have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. If the valves become weakened, some blood can remain in the vein, causing the vein to enlarge and bulge.
• Smaller congested veins close to the skin are commonly referred to as spider veins.
• Larger congested veins are found mostly in the legs and are commonly called varicose veins.
No one knows the exact cause of congested veins, but heredity, aging, pregnancy, and prolonged sitting and standing may contribute to the problem.

Whether varicose veins need to be treated, is generally up to the individual. Some people request treatment because of the appearance or discomfort of varicose or spider veins.
Congested veins can worsen over time, causing sensations of heaviness, cramping, or burning. The most severe cases may cause swelling in the legs and feet, skin ulcers, or blood clots.

How can this disorder be treated?
Options for treating large varicose veins:
• Elevating your legs as often as possible;
• Wearing elastic support stockings;
• Sclerotherapy;
• Surgery to remove the veins;
• Wait and see.
Options for treating spider veins:
• Sclerotherapy — small needles are used to inject a chemical solution into each varicose vein, causing the vein to close. Blood is rerouted to other veins.
• Laser ablation — sends intense bursts of light onto the veins to seal them off, causing them to dissolve over time.
• Thermal ablation — is similar to sclerotherapy, except the veins are sealed off with an electric current instead of a chemical solution.

Researchers are still evaluating which treatments are most effective for cosmetic and long-lasting results.
Surgery is preferred for severe varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is recommended for recurrent varicose veins after surgery. Most of the procedures can be done in an outpatient setting.

What should you discuss with your doctor?
Talk to your doctor about referrals to specialists who do vein treatment or surgery. You should ask the specialist which treatment might be successful in your case. You should also know congested veins may return after surgery. Most insurance policies do not cover treatment for varicose veins if it is done only to make you look better, but if you have physical symptoms, too, insurance may cover the treatment.

What can I do to prevent it from getting worse?
Doing simple things like elevating your legs, wearing support hose, exercising regularly, keeping your weight down, not crossing your legs when sitting, and eating a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation will help prevent varicose veins and relieve discomfort from the ones you have.