Varicose Veins - Symptoms, Causes, Factors, Treatment, & Prevention

Varicose Veins - Symptoms, Causes, Factors, Treatment, & Prevention

Dec 25 , 2020

Erandika Mohanathasan

Tags - Varicose Veins


Varicose Veins are inflamed/swollen veins generally seen on legs and feet.

Visibly, it may appear lumpy in blue or dark purple colour. 


Symptoms

Swollen and uncomfortable feet, muscle cramps, dry and itchy skin, and trembling legs are few of the symptoms of varicose veins.

Over time, the symptoms usually get worse when you stand for too long, adding pressure to your legs, especially during warm days.

Varicose veins are usually seen in the legs and feet because this is further from the heart. So, the blood flow becomes irregular there due to gravity (as it struggles to flow upwards).

In worsening situations, varicose veins could lead to ulcers, blood clots and bleeding.


Causes

In a human body, the blood flows to the heart through veins.

There are small valves that prevent reverse flow of blood in veins.

When these small valves get fragile or deteriorate, the reverse blood flow occurs and blood compiles in veins, which causes these veins to swell (varicose veins).

In short: Varicose veins occur when the small valves inside the veins stop functioning well. 


Likelihood Of Getting Varicose Veins

1. More Common Among Women

Women going through pregnancy or menopause are more likely to get Varicose Veins due to hormonal changes.

In fact, it's been found that female hormones are likely to relax the vein walls which may affect the blood flow through the valves.


2. Genetics

If a close family member has it, you are more likely to get it too.


3. Being Above The Age Of 50 

With ageing, the valves get weaker which leads to the issue in blood flow.

Hence the older you get, the more likely you are to get varicose veins.

In fact, it's been found that usually 25% of adults get varicose veins over time.


4. Being Overweight

Being obese adds more pressure to the veins, which affects the blood flow, in return causing varicose veins.


5. Standing For Longer Periods Of Time Regularly

The blood flow is not regular if you don't move often.

Therefore, this restriction causes varicose veins.


Treatment

Treatments for varicose veins include:


Prevention

To prevent or minimise the pain of having Varicose Veins:

  • exercise more
  • rest and lift your legs often
  • watch your weight
  • consume high fibre and low salt diet
  • move every 30 minutes (do not sit or stand for too long)
  • avoid wearing high heels and tight socks
  • most importantly, wear comprehension socks and comfortable shoes to boost proper blood flow.

 

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