Varicose veins are a common health problem that can affect anyone of any age and gender. However, it often occurs in middle-aged and elderly people, especially in those who lead a sedentary lifestyle, and have to stand or sit a lot at work. It can cause uncomfortable and painful symptoms, affecting a person's quality of life.
In this article, let's learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of varicose veins to help you better understand this problem and have the best solutions for your health.
What is varicose veins?
This is a condition in which your veins become enlarged, dilated and filled with too much blood, most commonly affecting the veins in the legs. That's because standing and walking increases pressure in the veins of the lower body. Varicose veins are often swollen and raised, and are bluish-purple or red in color.
For many people, it may be that spider veins are just a mild variant, simply a cosmetic issue. But for others, varicose veins can cause soreness and discomfort, sometimes leading to more serious problems.
Causes of varicose veins
It happens when the veins don't work properly. Veins have a one-way valve that prevents blood from flowing backwards. When these valves fail, blood begins to accumulate in the veins instead of continuing to flow back to the heart. The veins then enlarge, thus often affecting the legs. The veins are there furthest from the heart, and gravity makes it harder for blood to flow upward.
Some potential causes of varicose veins include:
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Age over 50
- Standing for a long time
- Fat
- Family history of
Symptoms of varicose veins
Varicose veins may be painless, and symptoms include:
- Veins are dark purple or blue
- The veins appear twisted and bulging, often appearing like strings on the legs
When painful signs and symptoms of varicose veins occur, they may include:
- Pain or heaviness in the legs.
- Burning, throbbing pain, muscle cramps and swelling in the legs.
- Pain that gets worse after sitting or standing for a long time.
- Itching around one or more veins.
- Changes in skin color around varicose veins.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but they are smaller. Spider veins are found closer to the surface of the skin and are usually red or blue in color, they vary in size and often look like a spider's web.
How to treat and prevent
Once symptoms are detected, your doctor may recommend changes to your lifestyle.
Lifestyle change
The following changes can help prevent varicose veins from forming or getting worse:
- Avoid standing for long periods of time.
- Losing weight or maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise to Improve blood circulation your, some subjects like Yoga, physical therapy, etc. might be helpful to you.
- You should also elevate your legs whenever you are resting or sleeping.
Compressor and Medical Socks
Tools like compressors medical socks specializes in patient support. They will put enough pressure on your legs so blood can flow more easily to your heart, reducing swelling.
Performing surgery
If lifestyle changes don't work or if it's still painful, you can see a specialist for advice on surgical options.
Several other treatment options
There are many other treatment options available today, such as:
- Sclerotherapy, which uses a liquid or foam injection to block larger veins
- Microsurgery, which uses chemical injections of fluids to block smaller veins
- Laser surgery, which uses light energy to block veins
- Endovascular ablation therapy, which uses heat and radiofrequency waves to block veins
- Laparoscopic vein surgery, which uses a small, lighted endoscope inserted through a small incision to block the vein
Your doctor will recommend a method suitable for your ability and body condition.
Nguyen hopes that the above sharing will be useful for your varicose veins. Besides, there are also many articles on health and yoga therapy at Nguyen's blog, especially Nguyen's Youtube channel There are many other useful exercises and movements, please follow and look forward to Nguyen!
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
https://vinmec.com/vi/news/health-news/varicose-veins-what-you-need-to-know/
https://www.healthline.com/health/varicose-veins
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