Treatment Options For Varicose Veins

By Ruthie Calderon


All veins can become varicose but those that are affected most are those in the feet and legs. Varicose veins are those which are large and gnarled. Feet and legs are affected because standing upright or walking tends to increase the pressure in veins. For the majority of people, this condition poses only a cosmetic challenge. There however are those that feel pain and discomfort. The condition in some cases signals higher risk of problems with the circulatory system.

The condition does not usually cause any pain. There are however symptoms that may indicate one is suffering from it. The affected veins will be purple or blue in color, they will appear twisted and bulging and they are likely to appear like cords on the legs. In case there is pain, it will be felt after standing for long periods of time. There is also likely to be itching.

Self care such as exercising and elevating the legs can help in easing the pain. There are also those who use compression stockings. These prevent the condition from getting worse. However, there are those that are concerned about appearance or have not gotten relief from using self care options. If this is the case, then seeing a doctor may be the next alternative.

This condition is attributed to various causes. Age is one such cause. As one ages, the veins lose their elasticity, stretching as a result. This will cause the valves inside them to become weak. When the valves weaken, blood that should be going to the heart will flow backward and pool within the vessels. This makes them to enlarge. The blue color in them is because they do not have oxygen. It is the blood that was to be oxygenated in the lungs.

Pregnant women are also at risk. During pregnancy, the volume of blood flowing through the body will increase. In the process, there will be decrease in blood that flows to the pelvis from legs. The circulatory change is meant to improve growth of the fetus. However, it leads to enlarging of blood vessels. Luckily, the condition improves within three months of giving birth.

When it comes to treatment options, people are advised to be cautious consumers. There are various advertisements that are misleading by offering quick fixes and promising to give permanent solutions. A doctor should be consulted before considering them. The side effects or health risks should be assessed as well. Cost of treatment should be considered before making a decision. You should also find out of the treatment is covered by insurance.

In majority of the cases, self care is enough to bring relief. If they however do not, other procedures will be used. Most of them are less invasive and thus are done on an outpatient basis. The forms of treatment include catheter-assisted procedures, laser surgery, endoscopic vein surgical operation and laser surgery.

These treatment options are very effective and recovery does not take too long. If however the condition recurs, which is possible, other treatment options are considered. One treatment option may not work for another person.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment