Understanding Varicose Veins: Symptoms and Treatment
Varicose veins are twisted, swollen, and enlarged veins that come in purple and blue. Varicose veins occur when small valves in our blood vessel walls become weakened. When these valves get weakened or damaged, blood can collect in our veins, causing them to stretch and twist and to become swollen and enlarged.
Varicose veins can appear anywhere on the body, but they commonly appear in our legs and feet. They occur in the veins near the surface (superficial layer) of our skin.
Varicose veins develop for a number of reasons. Age, prolonged sitting or standing, living a sedentary lifestyle, overweight and obesity, and family history can increase your risk of developing varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Indicators of varicose veins include:
- Veins that are purple or blue
- Enlarged or swollen veins that appear twisted and rope-like on the legs
In some cases, varicose veins may also be accompanied by discomfort and pain. These symptoms include:
- An aching or heavy feeling in the legs
- Swelling and throbbing sensation in legs and ankles
- Muscle cramping in the lower legs
- Itchiness around the area where the vein appears
- Changes in skin color around the area where the varicose veins appear
Prevention
You can prevent the development of varicose veins by improving blood flow in the areas where they usually appear and understanding your risk factors. Here are some tips that you can follow to prevent varicose veins from forming.
1. Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods
Did you know that your leg muscles help your veins to push back blood to your heart? Yes, you read that correctly. This is because your leg muscles are always working against gravity and our body is engineered to have our calf muscles pump venous blood back to the heart whenever we walk or run.
This is why standing or sitting for prolonged periods can be harmful to your health, as it makes it hard for blood to move freely to your leg veins. This increases pressure in the veins in the leg, which can result in the development of varicose veins.
Whether your job requires you to sit or stand for a long time, try to avoid holding the same sedentary position as much as you can. Take frequent breaks at least every half hour to stand up or walk to keep your leg muscles moving.
2. Exercise regularly
Incorporate leg day into your daily routine by going for a walk, a run, or simply doing leg exercises at home. Stretching your leg muscles will not only help improve your core and strengthen your joints — but it’s also an effective way to improve your blood flow and boost your overall well-being.
3. Raise your legs when sitting or lying down
Putting your feet up will help blood flow back to your heart more easily. When possible, put your feet on a stool when sitting down or elevate them by placing pillows underneath your legs. This practice is especially beneficial if you spend long hours sitting or standing in the same position.
4. Watch your weight
When you’re overweight or obese, you place more pressure on your lower legs, which can affect blood circulation in the area and put you at greater risk of developing varicose veins. Live a healthy and active lifestyle by making a few adjustments in your diet and physical activity to lose a few pounds if necessary.
5. Eat a high-fiber and low-salt diet
By eating a high-fiber diet and low-salt diet, you can regulate your body’s water retention and reduce the pressure on your vascular system. Eating food rich in fiber also reduces your chances of becoming constipated, which can contribute to the development of varicose veins.
Treatment
Getting varicose veins can sometimes be inevitable as we age, and even more so when we have any of the risk factors mentioned above. While varicose veins are generally harmless, they can still cause discomfort and pain. Relieve the painful symptoms of varicose veins by usingMucopolysaccharide polysulphate (Hirudoid), a cream that helps reduce inflammation and swelling on the skin when it’s used as indicated/prescribed.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor and seek professional medical advice.
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References:
How to Prevent Varicose Veins
Varicose veins
7 Ways to Prevent Varicose Veins From Getting Worse
Causes – Varicose veins
Varicose Veins
