Get Rid of Varicose Veins!

Varicose Veins (or Spider Veins as they are sometimes referred to) are gnarled, enlarged veins. The word varicose comes from the Latin root varix, which means "twisted." The most commonly affected veins are in the legs and feet. The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins.

The majority of people with varicose veins are mainly concerned about their appearance. Some are concerned about varicose veins because of aching pain and discomfort that they can cause. Sometimes this condition leads to more serious problems. Varicose veins may also be a sign of higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system.Varicose veins is a common condition in the United States, affecting about 50 to 55% of American women and 40 to 45% of American men.

Cause of Varicose Veins: the heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body. Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the body parts. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart. The squeezing of leg muscles pumps blood back to the heart from the lower body. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. These valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs. If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there. This is called venous insufficiency. Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose. Spider veins can also be caused by the backup of blood.

Factors which can increase the person's likelihood of developing varicose or spider veins include: Increasing Age Having family members with vein problems or being born with weak vein valves Hormonal changes. These occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, and taking birth control pills and other medicines containing estrogen and progesterone. During pregnancy there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing and other things that weaken vein valves. Sun exposure, which can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose of fair-skinned people.

Varicose Vein symptoms include: aching pain; easily tired legs; leg heaviness; swelling in the legs; darkening of the skin (in severe cases); numbness in the legs; and itching or irritated rash in the legs.

Spider veins do not usually require medical treatment. However, varicose veins usually enlarge and worsen over time. Severe varicose veins can cause other health problems including: Severe pooling of blood in the veins which slows the return of blood to the heart - this can cause blood clots and severe infections. Sores or skin ulcers can occur on skin tissue around varicose veins. Ongoing irritation, swelling and painful rashes of the legs.

Prevention of varicose veins and spider veins can include: Wearing sunscreen to protect skin from the sun and to limit spider veins on the face. Exercise regularly to improve leg strength, circulation, and vein strength. Weight to avoid placing too much pressure on the legs. Not crossing legs when sitting. Elevating legs when resting. Not standing or sitting for long periods of time. Wearing elastic support stockings and avoiding tight clothing that constricts the waist, groin, or legs. Eating a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods. Eating fiber reduces the chances of constipation which can contribute to varicose veins.

Varicose Veins Treatment - may include self-help measures, or procedures by a doctor to close or remove veins. Treatments include: Sclerotherapy - This is a non-surgical procedure in which a solution is injected into the problem varicose veins or spider veins in order to cause its disappearance. Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) -works by heating the inside of the vein, which causes it to seal shut and disappear. This treatment requires that a very thin laser fiber be inserted into the damaged underlying vein. Radiofrequency Occlusion - this method treats the vein by heating them, causing the vein to contract and then close. Ambulatory Phlebectomy - this involves making tiny punctures or incisions through which the varicose veins are removed. The incisions are so small no stitches are required. Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy (TIPP) - this treatment is a minimally invasive procedure for removing varicose veins that is performed using the TriVex® System. Transillumination is a unique feature - much like a flashlight placed under the skin - that allows a surgeon to see, accurately target and remove varicose veins, then visually confirm the extraction. Vein Ligation - vein surgery where incisions are made over the problem vein and the vein is tied off. This is done in order to cut off the flow of blood to the varicose vein, which in turn causes it to become less visible. Vein Stripping - involves tying off of the upper end of a problem vein. Laser surgery - sends very strong bursts of light onto the vein. This can makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. This treatment is popular as it does not use needles or incisions. Laser treatments last for 15 to 20 minutes. Depending on the severity of the veins, two to five treatments are generally needed to remove spider veins in the legs. Patients can return to normal activity right after treatment. For spider veins larger than 3 mm, laser therapy is not very practical. Possible side effects of laser surgery include: redness or swelling of the skin after the treatment; discolored skin that will disappear within one to two months; occasionally burns and scars result from poorly performed laser surgery.

Varicose Vein Creams: some creams can reduce the appearance of varicose and spider veins. These include: Lavender Oil; vitamins K, E, liposomes and aloe.

About the Author

Gay Redmile is the webmaster of numerous health and well being sites. For all the latest information, news and articles regarding varicose veins - visit her site at: http://www.getridofvaricoseveins.com or for a wealth of information on other well being issues visit: http://www.wellbeinginfosite.com

Understanding Varicose Veins

A vein is a blood vessel that carries blood throughout the body. Normally, these veins do their job like a well oiled pump but sometimes these veins break down, causing the flow of blood to become abnormal.

I am sure most of us have, or know someone who has the enlarged, twisted, superficial veins in their lower legs and ankles known as varicose veins.

Varicose veins can occur in any part of the body but are more common in the lower extremities.

These veins can be due to genetic default but this is not the only cause. Other contributing factors can be prolonged standing or pregnancy. For many women, the first signs of varicose veins appear during pregnancy. Obesity is also a contributing factor. The added pressure of supporting excess weight is almost certain to result in chronic venous breakdown.

The signs and symptoms of varicose veins not only includes the unsightly rope-like veins but also a constant dull ache, cramps, swelling and fatigue after standing.

There may also be a brownish discolouration of the skin which is known as stasis pigmentation. This is caused by a breakdown of blood cells leading to a leakage in the affected area and is common in people who have suffered from this condition for a lengthy period of time.

Usually diagnosis is simply a case of visual observation but sometimes a procedure called phlebography is used. This is a painless procedure in which a solution called a radio-opaque contrast medium is introduced into the bloodstream. Imaging of the veins is then carried out to detect the abnormalities in the blood flow and venous pressure.

Another diagnostic procedure available is the use of ultrasound to examine the blood flow in the major arteries and veins in the arms and legs. This procedure is known as Doppler's ultrasonography. Ultrasound is high frequency sound waves that echo off the body. It is performed by applying a water soluble gel to the body and then passing a hand held device known as a transducer over the area.

Treatment of varicose veins an be as simple as wearing elasticised compression stockings, controlling your weight, undertaking a moderate exercise program, avoiding prolonged periods of standing, and elevating the legs whenever possible.

Another method of treatment is called compression sclerotherapy. In this procedure, points of abnormal flow from deep to superficial veins are located and permanently obliterated by the injection of a substance called a sclerosant. Application of continuous pressure then restores the pumping capacity of the vein.

In severe cases, a surgical procedure called stripping and ligation may be considered necessary. During this surgery, one or more incisions are made over the varicose veins, and the vein is tied off (ligated). If several valves in the vein and the vein itself are heavily damaged, the vein (or the diseased part of the vein) is usually removed (stripped). An incision is made below the varicose vein, a flexible instrument is threaded up the vein to the first incision, and the vein is grasped and removed.

If you have varicose veins, it is necessary to seek medical advice. Your health practitioner will advise you of treatment options and will assist you in the care of your condition.

About the Author

Anne Wolski has worked within the health and welfare industry for more than 30 years. Go to http://www.magnetic-health-online.com to see many wonderful health articles, many of them written by doctors and others who have been involved in the health industry for many years.