INTRODUCTION
We have often heard that extra could harm. Extra sugar causes diabetes, extra liberal parents could spoil their kid and examples could go on. Even medical problems could arise because of extra, extra pressure could cause troubles like varicose veins and piles and other related conditions or diseases.
WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?
Varicose veins are veins most commonly in your lower leg that swell up and enlarge in size due to incorrect directional flow of blood in the veins. Blood starts to flow in another direction altogether due to weakened or damaged vein walls due to pressure. As a result, the veins twist and become larger due to overfilling of blood. It is a common condition affecting a large percentage of people. It is mostly found happening in the lower leg as that part of the body is considered as the weight-bearing part.
Legs carry the entire weight; hence, they are most prone to conditions related to excess pressure. Hemorrhoids are a kinda varicose vein in which the veins in the rectum region swell up and become inflamed due to increased pressure or strain.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VARICOSE VEINS?
For some people, varicose vein symptoms would be painless or without any other discomfort so it would merely be a cosmetic treatment or surgery and a person is good to go but for others, it might be painful and cause discomfort due to pain, burning sensation, and other related issues.
● Veins may become dark purple or bluish.
● Veins could be felt bulging as they seem like textured cords inside your skin, in your leg.
● There might be a heavy feeling in your legs due to overfilling of blood in the veins.
● Swelling and enlargement of veins might cause a burning sensation in the lower leg, throbbing pain, and other issues like muscular cramps.
● Pain due to staying in a single position or posture for a long time as the veins would
bulge in a specific position and then cause issues when you switch.
● Itching in the affected region.
● Skin turning purple or blue around the varicose veins.
● Spider veins are similar to varicose veins and often appear red or blue and seem like
a spider’s web.
CAUSES OF VARICOSE VEINS
Varicose veins cause is not a tough nut to crack or understand. Veins become weak and damaged are blood stops flowing in the designated direction which causes issues. It is most commonly found in the legs.
● Damaged or weak valves and inner walls of veins lead to varicose veins.
● Due to weak valves, the blood does not return to the heart acting against gravity, at
the same rate as it should and causes overfilling of blood in the veins.
● Overfilling of blood makes the veins swell up and bulgy.
● A person is considered at a higher risk to suffer from such a condition when he/ she/
they is obese as extra wights would add more weight on the legs hence, increased
pressure on the veins and valves.
● Pregnancy is another such cause. Women in general, are at a higher risk of
developing varicose veins than men.
ARE VARICOSE VEINS DANGEROUS?
Varicose veins are in itself an issue that needs to be addressed as the leg would look de-
shaped when it increases and veins just do not stop swelling but apart from the outer
appearance, varicose veins lead to other severe complications.
● Blood clotting could occur and that leads to other issues.
● Swelling veins might burst open causing one to bleed.
● Painful ulcers might also develop.
HOW TO TREAT VARICOSE VEINS?
There is no end to how you could go ahead with your treatment plan for varicose veins. There is medication for pain, exercises to prevent it, stockings to make you feel better, surgeries to make your leg look back to how it was, home remedies, and much more. Since prevention is better than cure there are certain things you could do to minimize chances of getting bulky veins.
● Being careful about your weight and body goes a long way as it would prevent excess
pressure on your legs.
● Watching your blood pressure is important as it all revolves around the blood
flowing at a normal rate.
● Not sitting or standing in the same posture for a long time.
● Avoiding clothing and articles like heels and tights.
But in case things didn’t work out for you and you are suffering from varicose veins, here are your options.
● Devices like elastic cover or bandages and stockings meant to compress your leg could help.
● Surgeries are present too. Like stripping in which the affected vein is removed. Sclerotherapy is another procedure that results in closing the vein by injecting a chemical.
● Radiofrequency waves are also used to shut down waves.
● Laser treatment is available too, to help with closing the veins.
● Lifestyle changes like working out and maintain your weight could help even after getting affected by a damaged vein.
● Drinking lots of water could help too.
CONCLUSION
Varicose veins are a common condition and have a vast variety of treatments to choose from. A doctor would be able to tell you best about the suitable surgery suiting your needs and body as every surgery comes with its own sets of pros and cons.