7 of 7

Write now Article Tools

Most people view varicose veins as something that needs to be cosmetically addressed, but fail to see that it is a disease in itself. However, the good news is that both the disease, and the cosmetic aspect of it, can be treated successfully.

The most commonly accepted consensus, as to why varicose veins form, is that defective valves prevent the flow of blood backwards, within the veins. This leads to the veins becoming thick and twisted. Blue swollen, lumpy looking veins and their cousin', crimson looking spider veins, are the most evident signs of varicose vein disease. While varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body, they are mostly found on the backs of legs and thighs, and seem to affect more women than men. Because it's a genetically inherited condition, as one ages the veins only seem to grow thicker and more twisted. Sufferers will recognize that these veins often come with tired, restless and itchy legs. Pregnancy, obesity and age only seem to exacerbate the problem.

The following are some of the options that may help in preventing the condition, and for those who already have it, ease the pain:

1. Get gravity on your side: Varicose veins lack the strength to return the blood back to the heart. Make their job easier by using a cushion, pillow or raising your legs whenever they begin to ache, and the pain should soon begin to ease.

2. Wear support hose: Available in most drugstores, support hose resist the blood's tendency to pool close to the skin's surface, providing instant relief.

3. Select your shoes for comfort: Give the high heels or cowboy boots a skip and stick to sensible shoes.

4. Keep your legs uncrossed: Crossing your legs slows the flow of blood back to the heart.
Watch your weight: Obesity and weight gained during pregnancy may worsen the problem. Try to reduce weight and if pregnant, keep your weight gain to the minimum acceptable level, incorporating exercise where possible.

5. Other things to remember are to maintain a good posture, try yoga, walks and Pilates, which give the body a mild, yet strengthening workout, and avoid tight fitting clothes, smoking and alcohol, all which will only worsen already existing symptoms.

While most believe that surgery is always an option, in certain cases, such as pregnancy and extreme obesity, it may not be one. Doctors often recommend that the patient try home remedies such as the above options, leaving surgery only as a last resort.

One of the most common procedures is Sclerotheraphy, which involves medicine being injected into the vessels to make them shrink. Other options include surgery, radiofrequency and laser ablation, ligation and stripping. Most of these are done quickly and have short recovery times.

Patients should seek medical attention if they experience vein clotting or vein rupturing. The former can be seen as red lumps, which do not disappear even after putting up your legs, and can in fact be quite painful. Varicose veins around the ankles are more likely to rupture and bleed and are dangerous, as the patient can lose blood quite quickly. In both these instances, medical care is urgently required.

Learn more about this author, Usha Krishnan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Preventing and getting rid of varicose veins?
We want to hear your view. Write now!