Tips For Prevention And Treatment Of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a painful condition that occurs mainly in the lower legs and ankles, and can become dangerous if left untreated. The condition is often more prevalent in women than in men, affecting about 31 percent of women compared with 17 percent of men, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal.

Causes and Risk Factors

Varicose veins occur when the valves that regulate blood flow in your veins malfunction or weaken. When working properly, these valves close to push blood back toward the heart; as they weaken, blood can leak back into the veins and pool or collect, which enlarges the veins and can be painful. Various studies over the past two decades have shown that the primary factors the contribute to the condition include:

Being female

Older age

Obese, or high body mass index (BMI)

High blood pressure

Low levels of physical activity

Standing or sitting for long periods of time at work

In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that genetics may play a role if you have a family history of weak valves, as well as hormonal changes in women that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, or from taking certain medications containing estrogen or progesterone.

Treatment and Prevention

Varicose veins rarely become a serious health problem; more often they simply cause discomfort and look unsightly. However, in some advanced cases they may lead to more serious conditions such as sores or ulcers, excessive bleeding following an injury, or blood clots. These clots can become life-threatening if they travel to other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, or brain.

There are many different treatment options for varicose veins, including lifestyle changes and medical interventions, and the type of treatment you get will be decided with your doctor based on the seriousness of your condition.

Compression stockings are tight socks designed to put pressure on the veins, pushing blood back out of the lower extremities and toward the heart. There are different levels of compression available, from light pressure for mild conditions to prescription-strength pressure, which are only available through medical supply and drugstores and must be fitted to the patient.

Sclerotherapy is perhaps the most common treatment, where a doctor injects a chemical into the vein so it will swell and seal shut, eliminating the flow of blood and turning the varicose vein into scar tissue, which fades within a few weeks. It is an effective out-patient procedure that allows you to get back to daily activity immediately.

Radiofrequency or laser techniques (endovenous) have replaced a surgical option for most patients because they can be done quickly and effectively in a doctor's office and don't require a hospital stay. The veins are sealed with a small inserted catheter, involving only local anesthesia. Other healthy veins in the surrounding area will take over, so no loss of blood flow occurs.

While the exact cause of varicose veins is not known, and is often a combination of many factors, the best ways to prevent it include regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time. If you do have to stand or sit for extended times, wear compression stockings, shift your weight from one foot to the other regularly (while standing), and get up and move around often (while sitting).

If you think you may be suffering from varicose veins, talk to your doctor today to find out what treatment options are available for you.

Lawrence Reaves writes for http://www.cvtsa.com/, cardiac vascular & thoracic surgery associates who are located in the Fairfax, VA area. If you or someone you know is in need of a spealized doctor in any one of these areas then visit this site.

Source: http://articles.submityourarticle.com/tips-for-prevention-and-treatment-of-varicose-veins-290542

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