If you are among the 40 million Americans who suffer from varicose veins, you probably feel self-conscious about how they make your legs look like. While they are not perceived as a serious medical condition, treating them is more than a cosmetic issue.
What are varicose veins?
These are bulging, twisted, and unsightly veins under the skin that could be more than three millimeters wide. While they could appear on any part of the body, they are more common on the legs. Varicose veins are a result of increased blood pressure in the blood vessels.
This can be due to standing or sitting for prolonged periods which increases the pressure in the veins, thus weakening or damaging them. Once this happens, blood collects therein, thus causing the condition.
Varicose veins patients report such symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Itchiness
- Pain or discomfort in your legs
- Swelling
- Burning or throbbing sensation around the affected area
- Muscle cramps
If left untreated, not only do these symptoms get worse, but it could lead to serious medical conditions which include; hyperpigmentation, infections, blood clots, sores, and rashes.
Varicose veins could also result in Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) whose symptoms include a pulling sensation in the limbs as a result of a blood clot. Should the clot travel up the body, the condition may be life-threatening.
You can minimize your chances of getting varicose veins by:
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Avoiding tight clothing
- Keeping your feet elevated, especially if you sit for long hours.
Varicose veins treatment
There are several minimally invasive treatments for this condition. These include veins stripping, sclerotherapy, micro phlebectomy, thermal ablation, compression stockings, and elevating the legs.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should consult a licensed vascular specialist immediately. They will be able to evaluate the severity of your case and recommend the most appropriate treatment method.
Most patients report minimal discomfort after treatment as well as immediate relief from these symptoms.
