Bothering Issues 1

The first time I saw varicose vein I noticed it on one of my Auntie's legs, after the intial shock I turned a blind eye and counted it as one of those things you acquire with age. So you can imagine my shock when I noticed it some weeks later, on one side of my legs right about my knees, I was scared and thought I was aging prematurely and that something was wrong some where.

Something was definately wrong, so I did a research and here it is. Knowledge they say is power, you can not just accept issues you've got to" deal wit it" just as Paula White usually says. Later, I found that the Varicose veins I have now is as a result of my Sedentary life style, with that I have resolved to workout regularly and not rely on my short early morning walks.


What are varicose veins and spider veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red, or flesh-colored. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They can be swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are often found on the thighs, backs of the calves, or the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins can form around the vagina and buttocks.

Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller. They also are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Often, they are red or blue. They can look like tree branches or spiderwebs with their short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.


What causes varicose veins and spider veins?

Varicose veins can be caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins. The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body through the arteries. Veins then carry the blood from the body back to the heart. As your leg muscles squeeze, they push blood back to the heart from your lower body against the flow of gravity. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps to prevent blood from flowing backwards as it moves up your legs. If the valves become weak, blood can leak back into the veins and collect there. (This problem is called venous insufficiency.) When backed-up blood makes the veins bigger, they can become varicose.

Spider veins can be caused by the backup of blood. They can also be caused by hormone changes, exposure to the sun, and injuries.

What factors increase my risk of varicose veins and spider veins?:

1. Increasing age. As you get older, the valves in your veins may weaken and not work as well.
2. Pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The growing uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. More varicose veins and spider veins usually appear with each additional pregnancy.
Obesity. Being overweight or obese can put extra pressure on your veins.
3. Lack of movement ie Sitting or standing for a long time.
4. Sun exposure. This can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose of a fair-skinned person.
5. Medical history. Being born with weak vein valves increases your risk. Having family members with vein problems also increases your risk.
6. Hormonal changes. These occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medicines containing estrogen and progesterone also may contribute to the forming of varicose or spider.

Why do varicose veins and spider veins usually appear in the legs?

Most varicose and spider veins appear in the legs due to the pressure of body weight, force of gravity, and task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart.

Compared with other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure. This pressure can be stronger than the one-way valves in the veins.

What are the signs of varicose veins?

Varicose veins can often be seen on the skin. Some other common symptoms of varicose veins in the legs include:

Aching pain that may get worse after sitting or standing for a long time
Throbbing or cramping
Heaviness
Swelling
Rash that’s itchy or irritated
Darkening of the skin (in severe cases)
Restless legs

Are varicose veins and spider veins dangerous?

Spider veins rarely are a serious health problem, but they can cause uncomfortable feelings in the legs. If there are symptoms from spider veins, most often they will be itching or burning. Less often, spider veins can be a sign of blood backup deeper inside that you can’t see on the skin.

You should see a doctor about varicose veins if:

The vein has become swollen, red, or very tender or warm to the touch
There are sores or a rash on the leg or near the ankle
The skin on the ankle and calf becomes thick and changes color
One of the varicose veins begins to bleed
Your leg symptoms are interfering with daily activities
The appearance of the veins is causing you distress
If you’re having pain, even if it’s just a dull ache, don’t hesitate to get help. Also, even if you don’t need to see a doctor about your varicose veins, you should take steps to keep them from getting worse.

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

Your doctor may diagnose your varicose veins based on a physical exam. Your doctor will look at your legs while you’re standing or sitting with your legs dangling. He or she may ask you about your symptoms, including any pain you’re having. Sometimes, you may have other tests to find out the extent of the problem and to rule out other disorders.

You might have an ultrasound, which is used to see the veins’ structure, check the blood flow in your veins, and look for blood clots. This test uses sound waves to create pictures of structures in your body.

Although less likely, you might have a venogram. This test can be used to get a more detailed look at blood flow through your veins.

If you seek help for your varicose veins, there are several types of doctors you can see, including:

A phlebologist, which is a vein specialist
A vascular medicine doctor, who focuses on the blood system
A vascular surgeon, who can perform surgery and do other procedures
An interventional radiologist, who specializes in using imaging tools to see inside the body and do treatments with little or no cutting
A dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions
Each of these specialists do some or all of the procedures for treating varicose veins. You might start out by asking your regular doctor which specialist he or she recommends.

How are varicose and spider veins treated?

Varicose veins are treated with lifestyle changes and medical treatments. These can:

Relieve symptoms
Prevent complications
Improve appearance
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes if your varicose veins don’t cause many symptoms. If symptoms are more severe, your doctor may recommend medical treatments. Some treatment options include:

Surface laser treatments
In some cases, laser treatments can effectively treat spider veins and smaller varicose veins. This technique sends very strong bursts of light through the skin onto the vein. This makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. Not all skin types and colors can be safely treated with lasers.

Surgery
Surgery is used mostly to treat very large varicose veins. Types of surgery for varicose veins include:


How can I prevent varicose veins and spider veins?

Not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. But, there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting new varicose and spider veins. These same things can help ease discomfort from the ones you already have:

Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun and to limit spider veins on the face.

Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength, circulation, and vein strength. Focus on exercises that work your legs, such as walking or running.

Control your weight to avoid placing too much pressure on your legs.

Don’t cross your legs for long times when sitting. It’s possible to injure your legs that way, and even a minor injury can increase the risk of varicose veins.

Elevate your legs when resting as much as possible.

Don’t stand or sit for long periods of time. If you must stand for a long time, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. If you must sit for long periods of time, stand up and move around or take a short walk every 30 minutes.

Wear elastic support stockings and avoid tight clothing that constricts your waist, groin, or legs.

Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time. Lower-heeled shoes can help tone your calf muscles to help blood move through your veins.

Eat a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods. Eating fiber reduces the chances of constipation, which can contribute to varicose veins. High-fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, like bran. Eating less salt can help with the swelling that comes with varicose veins.