20% of people, both men, and women will experience varicose veins.
Varicose veins are veins that bulge beneath the skin because they are twisted. They can be unsightly and painful, sometimes large or small. Not all veins are painful and not all of them cause problems.
In this article, you will explore more about varicose veins, their causes, and possible treatments.
Varicose Veins Causes
Many things cause varicose veins.
Varicose veins are caused by more blood flowing through the veins, but also because the valves in the veins themselves become weak or dysfunctional. This means that the blood cannot flow freely from one place to another and “pools” putting more pressure on the vein, causing them to enlarge.
Women are more likely to experience varicose veins than men. This is because things like pregnancy cause increased blood flow.
Standing or sitting for prolonged periods is also a risk factor for varicose veins, as does age and carrying extra weight.
Genetics also plays a role in the formation of varicose veins. If your family has a history of varicose veins, it’s highly likely that you’ll have them as well.
Varicose Veins Symptoms
The symptoms of varicose veins range depending on their conditions.
While some veins cause little to no pain, some are more severe and you may experience the following symptoms:
- A heavy or weighted feeling in your legs
- Pain in areas of the legs or even extending to the hips
- Itching or burning
- Cramping
- Swelling in parts of the legs
There may be other Sometimes these symptoms can be so painful, that it hinders your daily life. If this is the case, contact your doctor.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis or DVT, is when blood clots form in the veins. It’s a serious condition and is usually not associated with varicose veins. However, blood clots are possible with varicose veins.
Clots can travel from the vein to the rest of the body and cause death.
Varicose Veins Treatments
If your varicose veins are bothering you and interfering with your life, it might be worth considering how to get rid of varicose veins.
Certain treatments work to reduce the pain from varicose veins and allow you to live life comfortably and confidently like the ones at Beach Cities Vein and Laser.
Treatments range from minimally invasive to invasive depending on your circumstances.
Wearing compression socks can help with minor varicose veins and increase blood flow. These may reduce pain.
A treatment called sclerotherapy is minorly invasive. It uses saline injections to cause the stop of blood flow to those veins.
Thermal ablation uses lasers that distribute heat into the veins. This impairs the veins so they no longer work.
For very severe cases, surgery or vein stripping may be needed.
Varicose Veins: Are You Ready to Learn More?
Varicose veins are very common, sometimes painful, but treatment is possible. You can live a life with less pain.
If you’re interested in learning more about health and wellness, visit our page today!
