Varicose veins
Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic problem, they can also be a source of intense pain. The dark purple or blue cord-like lines on the legs may have symptoms including achy or heavy feeling in the legs, mild swellling around the ankles, burning or throbbing in the legs, itching around the veins or pain after sitting or standing at length. Women are more likely to develop painful varicose veins as a result of hormonal changes that relax vein walls.
There are surgical procedures to treat varicose veins including:
- Vein stripping and removal of the varicose vein, known as ligation.
- Laser surgery to close off the smaller varicose veins to make the vein slowly fade away and disappear.
- Endoscopic surgery to close the vein and subsequently remove it through small incisions.
- Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy to inject a solution that scars and closes the veins.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy removes the varicose veins through a series of tiny skin punctures.
It is important to understand the closing of varicose veins is not a medical problem, as there are larger veins that will continue to carry the blood
There are some lifestyle remedies to consider to decrease the discomfort of varicose veins or help prevent or slow the development of varicose veins as follows:
- Exercse to get your legs moving and encourage blood circulation.
- Elevate your legs a few times during the day so your legs are above the level of your heart to improve the circulation in your legs.
- Avoid long periods of sitting or standing, or at least change your position often.
- Do not wear tight fitting clothing, especially around your waist, legs or groin, as this can cut offblood flow. Try to avoid high heeled shoes in favor of low-heeled shoes which work calf muscles.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the pressure on your veins.
