Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

Varicose Vein Risks And Common Treatments

26 February 2015 by Freddie Cox

The term varicose vein is one that most people will associate with women. This is due to the fact that even though over 60% of the population in general will become afflicted with varicose veins at some point, only one in four of those afflicted are men.  

Due to the common nature of this issue there are many treatments for varicose veins. Those treatments vary in accordance to the location and extent of the issue. They will also change according to the risk factors and any notable complications that have occurred. 

Varicose Vein Risks and Complications

Varicose veins are a medical issue that is caused by the valves in the veins becoming weakened over time. Blood is meant to flow in one direction through the veins. The weakened valves are not strong enough to enforce this singular directional passage through the veins. Due to that factor blood will flow backward and cause problems for the proper flow of circulation. There are essentially two types of varicose veins. Those types are small surface types known as spider veins, and deeper types known as simply as varicose veins.

Varicose veins are unsightly and can be painful to experience. However, they are not normally considered to be dangerous outside of the rare complications that might occur. Two of the complications that might occur are ulcers and blood clots.

The ulcers are caused by the build-up of fluid near the afflicted vein. This will occur most frequently near the ankle. This fluid buildup will cause discoloration of the skin. This will need to be treated in order to allow blood to flow properly in the area.

Blood clots can form if a varicose vein begins to swell. This is dangerous because a blood clot can cause blockage in the veins or even the arteries. If you experience any swelling it is important to have the area checked, as this is possibly a sign of a vein deep inside the leg becoming varicose or clotted.

What Treatments are Available for Varicose Veins?

There are essentially two types of varicose vein treatment. The most common method for minor afflictions is a simple change in your lifestyle. Four of the common lifestyle changes suggested includes:

• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods without taking a break
• If you are overweight you may be asked to try to lose weight.
• Do not wear tight clothing. Tight clothing can exacerbate varicose vein related issues.
• Exercise your limbs periodically to help your circulation.

Each of these suggestions is basically meant to help you improve your circulation. Losing weight, for instance, will lower your overall blood pressure and stress on your circulatory system. Another lifestyle change that can be suggested is the addition of compression hose. These items are used to aid in the upward flow of blood in the legs. They come in different forms from simply pantyhose style leggings that anyone can wear without trouble, to prescription-grade versions that will require a specialized fitting at the location of purchase.

The other treatment option is the medical option. This can include taking certain medications and even surgery to remove the afflicted vein if it is truly problematic. Thankfully, removal of a vein that has become varicose will not typically cause problems. The blood will simply flow through other veins. Two of the common surgical treatments include:

Laser Surgery - The doctor will attempt to treat surface issues utilizing a laser. This procedure requires no actual cutting or needle work and can be used to remove small varicose veins and spider veins via a series of intense bursts of directed light. There should not even be a scar and the minor affliction will fade away.

Endoscopic Vein Surgery - In the instance of a complication occurring, such as an ulcer, a more intense operation may be needed. A small medical camera will be inserted into the affected area and the doctor will use it to close and cut the vein. This procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure, like most surgical procedures for this affliction.

There are many options for the treatment of varicose veins. They range from medicinal prescriptions and lifestyle changes to surgical procedures. The thing to remember is that this is a highly treatable affliction and in most cases it can be handled quickly, and with little pain.

Check out places like Vein Clinic Of Las Vegas to get your treatment started.

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