Varicose veins will appear twisted and swollen, revealing themselves easily just under the surface of the skin. These types of veins are most commonly found in the legs but can appear in other parts of the body. Millions of people experience varicose veins on an annual basis around the globe.
The Importance of Veins
The veins are essential for carrying blood throughout the body. This type of blood has been deoxygenated and needs to be carried back towards the heart after the arteries carry blood out. They have valves that run in one direction that assist in carrying this blood towards the heart. When a person has weak or damaged veins, blood can start to get backed up and create a pool in the veins, leading to swelling. This swelling can lead to varicose veins.
Who Can Get Varicose Veins?
Many people can get these types of veins in their body as they are very common. Older people, females, pregnant and those who are overweight are more prone to experiencing varicose veins, but they can be found in many people regardless of health, sex and age. Doctors will typically be able to diagnose varicose veins through a physical exam, but sometimes additional tests will be needed to determine their presence.
Treatment Options
When it comes to treatment and therapy for varicose veins, one has options available to them. From non-surgical vein treatment to surgical procedures, the options selected may depend on the preference of the patient and judgement by the medical professional based on factors that include age and health history, extent and other signs and symptoms.
Elevation
One very minimalistic but effective treatment of varicose veins is through the elevation of the legs above the heart. This is typically done three to four times a day for 15 minutes at a time. If one finds that he or she is in a stationary position for long periods of time, it is important to bend or flex your legs occasionally to keep the blood circulating. If you have a mild to moderate case of varicose veins, elevating the legs above the heart will help to relieve the swelling in the legs.
Compression Socks
Another non-surgical vein treatment available to those suffering from varicose veins are compression socks. These socks are elastic and squeeze the veins in a fashion that prevents blood from pooling. The only way for compression sucks to be effective is if the patient wears them every day.
Sclerotherapy
This method is very commonly used around the world in treatment of varicose veins. The process involves the injection of a saline or other chemical solution into the varicose veins. After the injection is complete, the varicose veins will no longer carry blood and new veins will take over.
Vein Stripping
Vein stripping is simply surgery that is performed to take out the veins. It is performed under local or general anesthesia and involves minimal incisions to pull the vein from under the skin.
Thermal Ablation
Radiofrequency energy or lasers may be used in the treatment of varicose veins. It involves the insertion of a tiny fiber into the vein through a catheter. The purpose is for the heat produced from the frequency to destroy the walls of the varicose veins.