A lot of women regard varicose veins only as a beauty problem especially because of how unattractive it makes the legs and feet look. But, there are those who despise it a lot especially when they start to feel the discomfort and pain it brings. It may also be a sign of another health condition or problems in the circulatory system.
How do varicose veins develop? Every heartbeat causes blood enriched with oxygen to be delivered to different parts of the body through the arteries. As soon as the oxygen is exhausted, the blood should go back to the lungs for restocking. This process is made possible by veins which are flexible and aided by adjacent muscles that contract to keep the blood moving.
The veins found in the legs work double time to return large quantities of blood to the heart because of gravity. Valves are present to prevent the blood from going rearwards. However, these valves can break down due to several factors and one of it is the weight of the blood. If valves cannot stop the blood from flowing backwards, it can enlarge the veins. Enlarged veins are more likely to happen if they are already suffering from poor circulatory condition.
This occurrence is the chief cause of bluish bulging varicose veins that more frequently show on the legs. People who stand or sit for a long time are more prone to having varicose veins. It is also hereditary and usually concerns females rather than males. One interesting fact is that hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein and having those means that one has the tendency to develop varicose veins in the future.
Varicose veins have varying symptoms. When affected, some people feel tiredness, hotness and aches in their legs. But it may not be the same for others who may not feel any of the said symptoms. Spider veins, the small and shallow ones that also show up on the legs are the type that seldom shows signs. The bigger veins that appear superficially on the legs are not that risky but are very unsightly especially for women to have. On the other hand, those that run deep in the legs are high risk.
Weak veins may seep out fluids through its permeable walls. Sooner or later, these veins can break open and produce ulcers that may not heal fast and shows beneath the skin. Ruptured veins may also form blood clots that when burst out, may go up to the lungs and become a seriously grave condition.
The following are possible treatments for varicose veins:
• Non-Surgical
Sclerotherapy is probably the most common and most preferred treatment for varicose veins mainly because it is non-surgical and therefore, less invasive and pose minimal risk. Medicines that can shrink enlarged veins are administered using injections. Another non-surgical procedure is called Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA) or Endovenous Laser Treatment (ELT). It is a laser method that uses a technique guided by ultrasound.
• Surgical
There are still a lot of doctors who prefer the traditional way, which is surgery. One is called stripping which involves the removal of the main trunk of the saphenous vein entirely or partly. It is a high risk procedure and includes pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis as two of its known complications.
Another treatment that poses less serious complications is ambulatory phlebectomy wherein tiny slits are created on the skin covering the veins. It is used in treating shallow varicose veins. The patient is required to wear graded compression stockings for 7-14 days following surgery.
• Herbal Remedy
Medicinal herbs may not work as quickly or as effectively as the above procedures. But they can be of help in reducing the symptoms of varicose veins and for over-all health. Three of the most remarkable herbs used for this condition are horse chestnut, gotu kola and ginkgo. Studies show that horse chestnut extract is effective in closing small openings in the blood vessel walls thus reducing the enlargement of the veins and soothing pain. Gotu kola, on the other hand, may give relief to swelling feet, ankles and weak veins. Lastly, ginkgo biloba can improve circulation and strengthen blood vessels.
Living a healthy and active lifestyle can help prevent varicose veins from developing. Exercise, a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber-rich foods can strengthen your circulatory system. Changing your leg positions regularly especially if your work requires you to stand or sit for a long time can prove beneficial. For pregnant women, elevating your legs from time to time is also recommended.
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