Varicose Veins Can Be Treated And Your Legs Look Gorgeous Again
Varicose veins have been a bane our lives for centuries. They are not one of the medical problems caused by our affluent lifestyles. They affect millions of people and as well as being unsightly can cause a range of problems.
The dark blue or purple look of varicose veins is because of the veins being swollen and full of blood going back to the heart. The blood had less oxygen which alters its apparent colour to blue. Many veins are near the surface of the skin so the end result is the bumpy, lumpy bluish appearance.
The statistics show quite clearly women are affected more than men by varicose veins. This is partly due to pregnancy being a very common cause of varicose veins and also women’s hormones affecting the walls of veins. There are of course several other causes including your genetics, your age, obesity and your job. It is thought standing for a long time leads to the development of varicosities in the lower legs. However some people can develop them with no apparent cause.
The symptoms caused by varicose veins vary quite markedly between people with some hardly bothered and others severely affected. The main problem complained of by many is the unpleasant appearance of their legs. Other common symptoms include swelling of the lower legs and feet, painful legs, nocturnal leg cramps and very thin, dry and itchy skin around the veins.
The diagnosis is simply done by looking at your legs. When you are referred to a vascular surgeon he or she will do an ultrasound test to determine the best treatment options.
The only cure for varicose veins is surgery. Although compression stocking may help the symptoms they have not been shown to halt the progress of the problem. They are also unsightly to wear. The well established surgical procedure is called ligation and stripping. Basically a wire is pushed down the vein from groin to toe, and then pulled out bringing the vein with it.
Other treatments include sclerotherapy, which is used on small to medium sized veins. An irritating fluid is injected into your veins. It damages the vein walls and the scars from healing close off the vein. In addition you may have radiofrequency treatment or laser surgery.
After recovering you will only have a few small scars and no lumps and bumps. So you can relax in the summer and enjoy the fine weather.