Varicose veins appear when veins that are close to the skin are for some reason unable to return blood effectively to the heart. The vein experiences some sort of damage that makes it unable to do its job. The damage can then lead to filling with blood that causes swelling in the vein.
The latest compression stockings much more stylish than they used to be.
Half of all cases of varicose veins can be traced to genetics, meaning that they run in the family. Other cases are caused by standing uninterrupted for long hours, usually as part of a job like wait staff in a restaurant or nurses, wearing garters that are tight enough to constrict blood flow and pregnancy because the volume of blood produced increases dramatically. Those who are classified as obese are more likely to get varicose veins, and women are up to three times more likely to get varicose veins than men.
Prevention can be the key to avoiding varicose veins for those who do not have a genetic predisposition to the condition. Maintaining a normal body weight is the first preventative measure. Not only does this help prevent varicose veins, but it also prevents a host of other health problems. Not standing for long periods of time is also a preventative measure.
Even with prevention, some people will still develop varicose veins. The veins themselves can usually be found on the inside of the leg, near the ankles and behind the calves. They are usually swollen and blue and may be twisted. Some people do not experience any symptoms aside from the unsightly varicose veins, but others may have a dull ache in the leg, swollen feet and ankles, itching near the veins and pressure in the legs.
For those who experience varicose veins, the treatment for mild cases includes elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings. The person may try to get rid of the veins through laser therapy, which leaves a scar and cannot prevent other varicose veins from forming. Sclerotherapy may also be available. This also causes the vein to scar and shut down completely.
It is important to realize that varicose veins can lead to blood clots that can be dangerous and cause the loss of life or limb. Calling the doctor immediately is advised for those who have an ulcer or open sore on the leg, if the person gets a cut near the vein and cannot control the bleeding or if a painful bruise appears near the vein.
While varicose veins will most likely be a long term problem, adapting to it is generally easy. Because the treatment is elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings, there is not anything unusually hard to deal with, and medications are usually not prescribed although some common over the counter medications like aspirin may be contraindicated.
Compression stockings are much classier than they used to be. They come in several different styles and can be just as sexy as other stockings. For those who work at jobs where they must stand all day, elevating the legs throughout the day can be problematic. It is important that they have a discussion about it with their doctor and then with their manager if accommodations must be made.
Varicose veins may be unsightly, but they are typically not a life-threatening condition. With good management techniques and a little education, people can protect themselves from the negative, non-cosmetic effects. Maintaining an appropriate body weight is great for preventing the formation of varicose veins as is taking appropriate breaks at work and at home. By taking proper care of your body and working on leg exercises, many cases of varicose veins can be prevented simply.
Half of all cases of varicose veins can be traced to genetics, meaning that they run in the family. Other cases are caused by standing uninterrupted for long hours, usually as part of a job like wait staff in a restaurant or nurses, wearing garters that are tight enough to constrict blood flow and pregnancy because the volume of blood produced increases dramatically. Those who are classified as obese are more likely to get varicose veins, and women are up to three times more likely to get varicose veins than men.
Prevention can be the key to avoiding varicose veins for those who do not have a genetic predisposition to the condition. Maintaining a normal body weight is the first preventative measure. Not only does this help prevent varicose veins, but it also prevents a host of other health problems. Not standing for long periods of time is also a preventative measure.
Even with prevention, some people will still develop varicose veins. The veins themselves can usually be found on the inside of the leg, near the ankles and behind the calves. They are usually swollen and blue and may be twisted. Some people do not experience any symptoms aside from the unsightly varicose veins, but others may have a dull ache in the leg, swollen feet and ankles, itching near the veins and pressure in the legs.
For those who experience varicose veins, the treatment for mild cases includes elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings. The person may try to get rid of the veins through laser therapy, which leaves a scar and cannot prevent other varicose veins from forming. Sclerotherapy may also be available. This also causes the vein to scar and shut down completely.
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While varicose veins will most likely be a long term problem, adapting to it is generally easy. Because the treatment is elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings, there is not anything unusually hard to deal with, and medications are usually not prescribed although some common over the counter medications like aspirin may be contraindicated.
Compression stockings are much classier than they used to be. They come in several different styles and can be just as sexy as other stockings. For those who work at jobs where they must stand all day, elevating the legs throughout the day can be problematic. It is important that they have a discussion about it with their doctor and then with their manager if accommodations must be made.
Varicose veins may be unsightly, but they are typically not a life-threatening condition. With good management techniques and a little education, people can protect themselves from the negative, non-cosmetic effects. Maintaining an appropriate body weight is great for preventing the formation of varicose veins as is taking appropriate breaks at work and at home. By taking proper care of your body and working on leg exercises, many cases of varicose veins can be prevented simply.
About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
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