Close to 25 million Americans suffer from varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen veins that closely appear on your skin’s surface. This medical condition occurs when there is improper functioning of valves in veins, resulting in the backflow of blood. You may not experience any symptoms if you have varicose veins. However, it is essential to seek medical advice from your specialist, Dr. Andrew Doe, at Alate Health for diagnosis and treatment. A lot of people seek medical attention due to cosmetic rather than medical reasons.
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Risk Factors
Several factors increase your chances for developing varicose veins, including:
Obesity
If you are overweight, your body exerts a lot of pressure on your legs. This may damage valves in the veins and result in varicose veins. Engaging in physical exercise is a healthy way to lose extra weight. However, if this fails to work for you, you may consult with your specialist regarding weight-loss treatment methods such as surgery.
Age
As you become older, veins in your body may wear or tear and interfere with the functioning of valves. Damaged valves may fail to prevent the backflow of blood. As a result, blood collects in your veins instead of flowing to the heart.
Gender
Varicose veins are common in women compared to men. Hormones produced during pregnancy and in menopause may cause the vein walls to relax. Contraceptive methods such as birth control pills may also increase your risk for varicose veins. The blood volume during pregnancy is higher than usual to facilitate the development of the fetus. However, this may enlarge the veins in your legs and cause varicose veins.
Family History
There is a greater chance to develop varicose veins if one of your family members is living with this condition.
Long hours of standing or sitting interfere with blood flow and may also result in this medical condition.
Treatment Methods
Compression Stockings
Your specialist may recommend that you wear compression stockings before suggesting other treatment options. Compression stockings are worn in the legs. They exert the required amount of pressure on veins and facilitate the transportation of blood. Compression stockings are available at medical stores and pharmacies.
If your varicose veins are accompanied by symptoms such as swelling and pain, your doctor may administer different treatment methods such as:
- Sclerotherapy- This treatment involves injecting solution or foam into the affected vein. Your doctor may use foam to treat more prominent varicose veins since foam covers more surface area than the solution. You may require multiple injections to achieve the best results. The veins may fade away after several.
- Vein stripping and high ligation- This is a surgical procedure where your specialist removes the damaged vein. Your doctor may administer local anesthesia before the process to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Laser treatment- This involves the use of laser light to close spider and varicose veins. The process is safe and minimally invasive.
If you have visible veins on your skin’s surface, reserve a session with your specialist at Alate Health for diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins.