Varicose veins
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are twisted and enlarged veins near the surface of the skin.
Most often they appear on the legs in the area below the knee to the ankles. They are usually not serious, but can sometimes lead to other problems.
Varicose veins are caused by weakened valves in the veins of the legs. Normally, one-way valves in the veins push blood from the legs up to the heart.
When the valves do not function properly, some of the blood begins to pool and the pressure in the vein increases. Veins become weak, enlarged and twisted.
Vicose veins are often hereditary, but as you age, the risk of developing them also increases.
People who are overweight, pregnant and those whose work involves standing for long periods of time without moving or being able to sit somewhere can also develop varicose veins.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Vines that are varicose look dark blue, swollen and twisted under the skin. Some people do not experience any symptoms. Mild symptoms can be:
- Heaviness, burning, pain, feeling of tiredness in the legs. The manifestation of the symptoms may worsen after standing for a long time without being able to move or if you have sat down but are unable to get up often.
- Swelling of feet and ankles.
- Itching over varicose veins.
More serious symptoms of varicose veins can be:
- Severe swelling of the legs
- Swelling and pain in the calf after sitting or standing for a long time.
- The skin in the area where the varicose veins are can change, such as change color, become drier and thinner, and may even become inflamed. If measures are not taken to relieve the symptoms, it is very likely that wounds will open or, with minimal trauma to the place where the varicose veins are, bleeding will begin.
In the case of varicose veins veins we can also help ourselves without having to consult a doctor like:
- Elevate your feet if possible and if your feet swell it is good to have your feet elevated when you sleep. For this purpose, you can put several pillows under your feet.
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing.
- You should to walk at least 40 minutes a day and to do physical exercises as weight lifting is not recommended.
- Do cold foot baths as this is especially imperative during this summer season.
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- If your weight is overweight, it is recommended to normalize it by combining a healthy diet with physical exercise, because with excess weight, the burden on the legs is even greater and the probability of increasing the amount varicose veins is completely real.
- It is contraindicated for varicose veins to cross your legs, as this concentrates the weight of one leg on the other.
- If you are forced to stand straight in one place for a long time, it is good to often change the leg on which the weight of the body falls.
Treatment of varicose veins
Although we can help ourselves with varicose veins, the intervention of medical assistance should not be excluded.
One of the most popular methods for treating varicose veins is compression therapy.
It involves the use of special socks or bandages that apply gentle pressure to the feet to promote circulation. This can help reduce the pain and swelling associated with varicose veins.
Another treatment option is sclerotherapy. This is a procedure in which a special solution is introduced into the vein, which causes the vein to clot and close. Over time, the vein disappears, relieving the symptoms of varicose veins.
Laser therapy is another method of treating varicose veins. It uses a strong light that penetrates the skin and causes the vein to clot. This process allows the vein to disappear gradually.
In some more serious cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. This usually involves removing large varicose veins through several small incisions in the skin.
It is important to consult a medical professional if you suffer from varicose veins to discuss the most appropriate treatment method in your case.
Each patient is unique and the best treatment strategy may vary based on specific symptoms and circumstances.
In conclusion, varicose veins can be a source of discomfort and pain, but there are many ways we can manage their impact on our lives.
Regular physical activity, a healthy diet and maintaining a normal body weight are key factors in preventing and managing varicose veins.
Compression stockings can be helpful in relieving symptoms, and medical procedures such as sclerotherapy and laser therapy can offer long-term relief.
It is always a good idea to consult a medical professional if you have problems with varicose veins to get the best treatment for your particular case.
