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Varicose Veins : Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments?

Varicose veins are popularly known as varicosities and mostly happen when the veins enlarge, dilates, or overflows with blood. They mostly appear swollen and turns into a bluish-purple tint or sometimes red. Although they do not cause any discomfort; however, at times, they can be painful.

Even though varicose vein is common in everyone, irrespective of gender; but, mostly, women face the problem. Almost 25% of adults deal with varicose veins. Precisely, people who have to keep stand or sit continuously for most of the time, deal with varicose veins. Mostly varicose veins tend to appear in the lower legs.

Varicose veins mostly happen when the faulty valves inside the blood veins let the blood flow in the wrong direction. Although varicose vein is a common disorder these days among adults, it is quite painful. Often the symptoms do not show up, which is why it becomes hard to detect.

Different reasons are responsible for varicose veins. However, one of the most common ones is when the faulty veins let blood flow in the wrong direction. Veins have one-way valves, which help the blood to flow in one direction.

Once the wall becomes weaker as well as less flexible, it turns weaker. As a result, blood flows in the opposite direction. When this continues, eventually blood starts collecting in the veins and soon it swells and enlarges.

Veins that are farther away from the heart often affect, especially your legs. The reason behind this is gravity makes it tough for the blood to travel back. Apart from that, if you have to keep standing or sitting for long also causes varicose veins. It causes blood pooling in the leg veins; thus, putting pressure on them.

This, in turn, stretches due to the extra pressure, which weakens the vein walls and even damages the valves. Few other potential causes behind varicose veins include multiple pregnancies, menopause, obesity, genetics, etc.

One of the most common symptoms that you can notice is swollen veins. They are highly visible and mostly occur on your legs. Besides, you might also face pain, welling, achiness as well as heaviness, especially around the enlarged veins.

In other cases, you can also face swelling as well as discoloration. However, it is necessary to understand that the symptoms vary. Sensations in legs like aching, burning, and heavy feeling are some common symptoms.

Apart from that, sores on legs and mild to severe rash. In case your condition is severe, it can produce long-term effects like mild swelling. This can cause serious skin as well as tissue problems such as ulcers and nonhealing sores.

At times, in severe cases, you might also face bleeding. It is vital to understand that varicose veins’ symptoms often resemble serious underlying medical conditions.

Have queries or concern ?

After analyzing the complete medical history, doctors perform a Doppler test, which helps in understanding the active condition of the patient. Besides, he even asks for any existing pain or discomfort that you suffer.

At times, an ultrasound scan also helps in treating the condition. In case you do not have any existing symptoms or the swelling does not bother you, then treatment is not compulsory. However, if the active symptoms bother you, then opting for the treatment can reduce the pain and discomfort.

Besides, the treatments are effective in avoiding skin ulcers, discoloration as well as swelling. Since varicose veins look ugly, some people even opt for the treatments due to cosmetic reasons. Here are some of the common treatment options available for varicose veins.

• Compression stockings

Doctors mostly advise wearing compression stockings. These stockings are not only useful but also are a non-surgical procedure for controlling varicose veins. It helps in putting the right pressure, which helps in allowing blood to flow towards your heart.

Apart from that, it also helps in reducing swelling. However, it is important to keep in mind that compression level varies. You will get compression stockings in drugstores.

• Leg elevation

It is yet another one of non-invasive method that helps in treating varicose veins. Here, doctors suggest elevating your leg at least three to four times a day. If your work involves sitting or standing for long, this procedure can help you. You have to elevate your legs and hold them for fifteen minutes. But, this can only turn out to be useful if you have mild to moderate symptoms.

Hence, these are a few important things that you must know about varicose veins. If you have any active symptoms or develop severe discomfort, then it is best to consult a doctor.

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