Varicose veins reflect a prevalent condition of the veins that impacts a large number of people across the globe. Though there is a subset of people who keep them aside as a cosmetic issue, there are others who measure the considerable discomfort and the impending danger of leaving them untreated. Many patients can improve their condition by making simple changes to their lifestyle based on the right insights and adjustments.
In this article, we’ll explore what causes varicose veins, the risk factors involved and the most effective ways to prevent them so you can take proactive steps for your vein health.
Understanding Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that typically appear in the legs. They develop when the valves inside the veins stop working properly. Instead of blood flowing smoothly back to the heart, it pools in the veins, leading to bulging and visible swelling.
- Some of the symptoms are as follows:
- An increased aching or a sense of heaviness in the legs.
- Gradual swelling of the calves or ankles.
- Varying shades of blue or purple, in protruding form, are visible in certain areas of the skin.
- Skins around the affected area either become dry and itchy or undergo a transforming phase.
Self-help measures can help relieve some of these symptoms, while more determined symptoms nearly always warrant medical intervention such as specialized varicose vein treatments, as a means to cure the obstruction that is present in the blood circulation.
What Causes Varicose Veins
There are various reasons you might be prone to developing varicose veins and knowing them could help you avoid them.
1. Predisposition
If your parents or grandparents suffered from varicose veins, there is a likelihood you might too. Prevention is key, as weak vein walls and valves can be passed down through genes.
2. Aging
As we age, it’s normal for the valves in our veins to become weaker. This, in turn, makes the upward flow of blood more strenuous and can cause visible varicose veins to appear.
3. Pregnancy and Hormones
While pregnant, numerous women tend to notice varicose veins and some even say it become worse after childbirth. This is because there is an increase in blood volume and the hormones, which exert added pressure on the veins.
4. Overweight and Way of Life
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are common problems for many. One tends to remain in a single position for a prolonged duration, be it sitting or standing and circulation becomes poor, which leads to the development of varicose veins.
5. Other Health-Related Issues
Various vascular disorders can be more damaging to some people due to poor blood circulation. This can result from peripheral arterial disease, which often requires peripheral arterial therapy and underscores the importance of maintaining good vascular health.
Risk Factors and Complications
Although varicose veins might be of little concern, a cosmetic problem, or concern at all, some potential complications could arise:
- Blood Clots: Poor circulation in the legs (often linked to varicose veins) can make many conditions worse and increase the risk of dangerous blood clots. When a clot forms in a deep vein, it can become life threatening as deep vein thrombosis. Maintaining healthy habits and seeking professional DVT treatment are the best ways to prevent serious complications.
- Leg Ulcers: With the potential complications that may arise as a result of varicose veins not being classified as primary,the skin, as well as the deeper tissues surrounding the ankles, may develop particularly nasty ulcers that may be resistant to healing.
- Chronic Swelling and Skin Changes: Prolonged discomfort, heaviness, or any form of discoloration around the legs.
All of the above afflictions are a clear “state of alert” right at the border of medical care, which is why it is important not to delay medical care to assess the status of one’s veins.
Varicose Vein Prevention: What You Can Do
Although some varicose veins are unavoidable, you can take steps to improve your chances of maintaining good vascular health:
1. Weight Control
More than a few extra pounds puts undue burden on the veins of the legs. Weight control can be accomplished with a good diet as well as regular aerobic activity.
2. Circulatory Pumping Exercises
April steps, aquacise, stroll, cycle and many other gait-oriented actions make a world of difference in blood flow to the legs. Light aerobic activity in general tends to be effective in strengthening the calf musculature, which serves a dual purpose of venous blood propulsion to the heart.
3. Elevate Your Legs
Leg swelling can easily be managed with leg elevation. Legs can be raised above the heart for 15-20 minutes a few times a day. This position reduces heart strain and swells the legs.
4. Wear Compression Stockings
The risk of developing varicose veins increases with time. Lots of people experience early symptoms of varicose veins and as a result, compression therapy works by supporting weakened veins and enhancing circulation.
5. Avoid Long Periods of Sitting or Standing
For people who work standing or work hours at a desk, however, a few minutes of breaks are recommended. Walking, flexing ankles and stretching are effective.
6. Follow a Balanced Diet
Dehydration and a diet low in fibrous foods lead to constipation and abdominal pressure, which causes varicose veins.
Genetics for any reason and these few neglected preventive measures can easily have you end up with varicose veins. In these instances, the best approach would be to get a leg vein specialist to prescribe varicose vein therapy.
When to See a Specialist
Leg pain and swelling accompanied by severe pain, open sores or ulcers, swelling and irritated skin and skin with unexpected swelling, which can sometimes indicate a blood clot, are all symptoms that require assessment and if necessary, treatment by a vascular professional.
At Prime Vascular Care, we believe that vascular health should be correlated with other body systems in order to create a custom treatment plan that encompasses all of an individual’s needs–along with the treatment of varicose veins, we also treat other vascular-related disorders such as abdominal aortic aneurysm and carotid artery disease.
Conclusion
While many view varicose veins as just a cosmetic issue, they’re actually a sign of underlying vascular problems that are important and should be taken seriously. Preventing varicose veins is all about supporting the health of the veins and modifiable lifestyle habits in conjunction with the underlying factors can make a significant impact.
However, further progression of symptoms leaves you vulnerable to complications, which makes the need to evaluate your health timely and critical. To make you feel better and remain active, we offer comprehensive vascular care as well as technologically advanced and minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins.
Maintaining your health and safeguarding your legs can be accomplished through small actions taken today.
