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Varicose Veins: What Are They?

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Varicose veins

Varicose veins occur predominately in women and is a result of swollen veins. It is developed when the small valves inside your veins do not function properly. If it is a healthy vein then blood will flow efficiently from the heart and around the body, however, if the valves are faulty it will cause the blood to collect in one place. This will make the veins swell, and as a result, they often turn blue and a dark purple.

The symptoms of varicose veins are:

  • Achy and heavy legs
  • Swelling in your feet and ankles
  • Frequent muscle cramps in your legs, ankles, and thighs.

The chance of having varicose veins can be increased if you are; pregnant, overweight, or aging. Varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body but it particularly occurs in the legs and feet. This will add extra pressure, causing the varicose veins to worsen. This is why it predominately occurs in the legs.

How can you treat varicose veins?

Varicose veins are not considered to be a serious health problem although it can cause discomfort. For many it does not require treatment, this is because it is not known to affect future health well-being. In Hospitals around the UK, varicose vein removal in Newcastle, Wales and London is a predominant procedure. There are three ways in which varicose vein can be treated and they are as follows:

  • Compression stockings – these stockings have been designed to improve circulation in the leg to enhance blood flow. It is particularly recommended that stockings are worn when traveling a long distance. Specifically on airplanes as the pressure can cause reduced blood flow around the body.
  • Phlebectomy – is a procedure whereby varicose veins are removed from the surface of the leg – this procedure is minimalistic and can be done in a physician’s office.
  • Sclerotherapy – is a medical treatment whereby the physician will inject a solution into the affected vein(s). The solution then causes irritation in the lining causing it to stick together. Eventually, the swelling will be reduced and the lining turns into scar tissue which will eventually fade

There are practitioners all over the UK that can help with the treatment of varicose veins. A varicose vein is not life-threatening however it can cause discomfort and can be unsightly. There are creams available on the high street that can help with the appearance of varicose veins although they are not guaranteed to work.