Varicose Veins Can Be More Than Just Unsightly

Those twisted, puffy veins visible just beneath the surface of your skin are called varicose veins. Most often, varicose veins appear in the legs. They occur when the one-way valves that control blood flow in your veins don’t work properly, so blood flows backward and pools in your veins.

For some people, varicose veins can cause painful leg cramps. Other symptoms include:

• A heavy or throbbing feeling in the legs
• Itching, especially on the lower legs and ankles
• Swollen ankles and feet
• Discolored skin on the legs

Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins. Besides gender, other factors that can raise the risk include lack of movement and being overweight.

Self-care strategies

Here are some tips to help keep varicose veins from worsening — and possibly prevent them in the first place:

• Wear support stockings during the day, but avoid ones that end at the knee — these can cut off circulation to the lower leg.
• Elevate your legs higher than your heart for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day.
• Exercise regularly to increase circulation in your legs.
• Avoid crossing your legs, and frequently flex your feet and ankles when sitting.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid tight clothing around your waist, hips, and legs.
• Don’t sit or stand in one position for a long time.
• Sleep with your feet propped on a pillow.

When to see your doctor

For many people, medical procedures can help with varicose vein problems and also make them less noticeable. Some treatments work by closing veins. Other treatments, like surgery, remove problem veins through small cuts in the skin.

Faith Regional now offers a new, minimally invasive treatment option that is more comfortable for patients and offers a quick recovery. Click here for more details.

If your varicose veins bother you, see your doctor to discuss your treatment options.

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