LIFESTYLE NEWS - Varicose veins occur when your veins become over-filled with blood.
Varicose veins are often painful and unsightly, with a bluish-purple or red coloration. Often, varicose veins appear swollen and raised.
Varicose veins occur when the vein is not functioning properly. Veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards.
When these valves fail, blood begins to collect in the vein rather than continuing toward your heart.
Varicose veins often affect the legs, since they are the farthest from the heart and gravity makes it harder for the blood to flow upward.
Some potential causes for this include:
- Chronic heart valve conditions (usually a congenital issue)
- Pregnancy
- Standing for long periods of time
- Pressure on the midsection of the body (specifically the abdomen)
- Obesity (this adds weight to the body and increases the pressure on the legs)
- The primary symptom of varicose veins is the appearance of highly visible, misshapen veins, usually on the legs. You may also suffer from pain, swelling, heaviness and aches in the legs.
In general, doctors are conservative when treating varicose veins
Lifestyle changes
- Avoid standing for extended periods of time
- Avoid excessive sun exposure
- Lose weight (or maintain a healthy weight)
- Exercise to improve your leg strength
- Refrain from crossing your legs for extended periods of time
- If you already suffer from varicose veins, you should take the steps above to prevent new varicose veins. You should also elevate your legs whenever you are resting or sleeping.
- Your doctor may advise you to wear special compression pantyhose or stockings.
If the lifestyle techniques are not working or if your pain is severe, your doctor might try a more invasive procedure for example veins stripping or the use of lasers to remove the vein or seal off the blood flow.
This article is for informative purposes only. Please be advised to see your doctor if you have any queries or e-mail questions@walkindoctor.co.za.
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