What are Varicose Veins and How to Treat Them?

 Varicose is the name applied to describe the unsightly swollen and lumpy-looking blue-colored veins that protrude above the surface of the skin. In some people, most often in the legs, although the veins in any part of the body can become worse. Varicose veins are not uncommon and can develop in both men and women- although generally affect a higher percentage of women. A primary reason for their occurrence appears to be due to the sufferer having spent long periods of their lives standing on hard floors, as might occur in a factory worker or a sales clerk.

 

The extreme and almost constant stress that occurs because of the long periods of standing is such that the walls of the veins become weakened, resulting in stretching and a loss of flexibility says a vein specialist. A tendency of the veins to “balloon” in places under the pressure of blood flowing through them as it ceaselessly circulates through the veins to the heart.

 

A condition of obesity can also contribute to the development of varicose veins and women are at a higher risk of developing them in pregnancy.

 

What can be done for relief?

 

While they are unflattering to look at, they do not usually present a serious health problem that requires varicose vein treatment. Although they can be painful in some situations when the legs ache and become swollen or leg cramps are experienced. However, complications can arise and it is worth noting that there are serious forms of varicose veins that lie deeper beneath the skin in which obstruction can occur.

 

Blood clots can form that do require urgent medical intervention and varicose vein treatment in Houston. The latter condition is known by the medical term “thrombophlebitis”. There are also less serious surgical procedures that can remove varicose veins to provide relief. A less intrusive procedure is the use of special compression stockings, hosiery that can be fitted with the aid of a trained health care worker, designed to squeeze the legs and improve circulation.

 

Caution

 

There is often an urge to scratch the skin in the location of a varicose vein- but, difficult as it is, this urge should be resisted. That is because the blood in the veins is under high pressure. If bleeding does occur, immediately lie down with the affected leg raised and apply pressure at the point of bleeding, preferably with the aid of a sterile dressing.

 

Symptoms:

 

Most often, varicose vein symptoms cause little distress, but the following, while they occur less frequently, is something to be aware of. Often associated with varicose veins, leg ulcers are open sores and a complication that needs to be treated without delay to minimize the possibility of infection setting in. The sore or sores should be seen as soon as possible by a vein doctor in Houston who may prescribe the application of an antibiotic ointment. Sterile dressings should be applied, perhaps daily with the aid of a nurse in the beginning.

 

One of the additional problems in self-applying dressings is that the sores may be located at the bottom and side of the legs where it can be difficult to view them directly making it more difficult to position the dressings and bandages. They may take several weeks to heal even with a vein specialist in Houston. Leg ulcers can also be a complication of diabetes, especially if poorly controlled diabetes.

 

In conclusion

 

When in doubt and varicose veins become a problem, it is wise to check with a vein doctor near me who will advise on the best form of varicose vein treatment- if any is required.