What Causes Varicose Veins in Legs

Varicose vein causes

Varicose veins result from vascular dysfunction. One-way vein valves prohibit blood from returning. When these valves fail, blood pools in veins instead of going to the heart. Veins enlarge. Leg varicose veins are common. Gravity slows blood flow in those veins, which are farthest from your heart.

Possible varicose vein causes:

Pregnancy, menopause, age over 50, prolonged standing
Family history of varicose veins and obesity.

Varicose vein symptoms

Usually on your legs, varicose veins are particularly prominent and distorted. Pain, swelling, heaviness, and achiness may surround the enlarged veins. Some people have oedema and discolouration. In severe situations, veins can haemorrhage and ulcerate.

The varicose vein diagnosis

Varicose veins are diagnosed by having your doctor inspect your legs and visible veins while you sit or stand. They may enquire about your pain or symptoms. To assess blood flow, your doctor may order an ultrasound. This noninvasive test uses high-frequency sound waves. It shows your doctor your vein blood flow.

A venogram may be done to examine your veins, depending on location. X-rays are taken after your doctor injects a specific dye into your legs. X-rays with dye show your doctor how your blood flows. Tests like ultrasounds or venograms help rule out blood clots or blockages as the cause of leg pain and swelling.

Treatment and prevention of varicose veins

Varicose vein treatment is usually conservative. Instead of aggressive therapies, lifestyle adjustments will likely be prescribed.

Lifestyle changes

The following adjustments may prevent or worsen varicose veins:

Avoid prolonged standing.
Weight loss or maintenance.
Improve circulation via exercise.
Put on compression socks or stockings.

If you have varicose veins, follow these precautions to prevent more. Elevate your legs when relaxing or sleeping.
Compression

Your doctor may prescribe compression socks or stockings. These compress your legs to improve blood flow to your heart. They also reduce oedema. Most compression stockings are sold in drugstores or medical supply stores.

Surgery

If lifestyle modifications don't work or your varicose veins are painful or threatening your health, your doctor may recommend an invasive treatment.

Anaesthesia is needed for vein ligation and stripping. The varicose vein is removed by skin incisions by your surgeon. Modern vein-stripping procedures are less popular because newer, less invasive methods are available.

Alternative treatments

Many less invasive varicose vein treatments are available. This includes:

Sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy, laser surgery, endovenous ablation therapy, and endoscopic vein surgery are all methods for vein blockage.

Consult your doctor about treatment choices and hazards before choosing one. The recommended procedure depends on varicose vein symptoms, size, and placement.

Varicose vein outlook

Varicose veins worsen over time. This applies even if you adopt lifestyle modifications to manage your discomfort and regulate them. Though unattractive, they rarely cause long-term health issues. Varicose veins can cause leg ulcers, blood clots, and persistent inflammation. In severe cases, veins may rupture. See a doctor if you have these symptoms. They may recommend surgery or other drastic measures.

Click to rate this post!

[Total: 0 Average: 0]