Varicose veins are enlarged and gnarled veins. While any of the body’s veins can become varicose, it’s most likely to happen to the veins in the legs and feet.
Varicose veins are different for everyone. Some individuals only experience varicose veins as a cosmetic issue, making the legs look less appealing – but not causing any pain. For other people, varicose veins can cause a host of symptoms that affect the functionality of that area of the body.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of varicose veins include:
There are several factors that increase the chances of a person developing varicose veins. They include the following:
As we age, more wear-and-tear is put on the valves within the veins in our bodies. This wear-and-tear eventually causes weakness in the veins as they stretch out and lose elasticity.
It is common for women to develop varicose veins when they are pregnant because of the changes in the amount of blood flowing within the body, and the decrease of the flow to the legs. While these circulation changes are beneficial for the growing fetus, it can cause varicose veins in the expectant mother.
If other relatives in your family have had varicose veins, it increases the chances of you developing it at some point in your life, too.
Obesity adds pressure to the veins, which increases the chances of them becoming varicose.
Lifestyle choices like prolonged sitting or standing can cause varicose veins because of the added pressure on the veins. If your job requires you to sit for extended periods of time or to stand for extended periods of time, you are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins.
While some factors that cause varicose veins cannot be prevented, like family medical history and aging, there is a lot you can do to help prevent varicose veins from becoming worse. Here are some good examples:
Exercising and living an active lifestyle not only decrease the chances of developing varicose veins but also help prevent them from getting worse. Exercise increases circulation, flexibility, and movement in the body, which also reduces the symptoms of varicose veins.
Losing weight can help reduce the pressure on the legs and veins. This reduces the chance of developing varicose veins.
Elevating the legs can help with circulation, which helps reduce the risk of varicose veins.
If you sit or stand for long periods of time due to lifestyle choices or your profession, it’s time to make some changes. The best thing to do if you have a job that requires standing or sitting for long periods of time is to take frequent breaks to move around.
Also, add exercise and other physical activities to your daily routine, even if it must be before or after work.
Compression stockings squeeze the legs in a uniform fashion and help promote blood circulation. While they do not treat varicose veins, they can help reduce the symptoms.
The caring and experienced team at Premier Vein & Vascular are skilled in diagnosing, treating, and preventing vascular and vein conditions.
If circulatory issues are causing you pain, request a consultation to find out how we can help you. Call us today at (888) VEINCARE (834-6227) to schedule a free consultation. You can trust our team to help you look and feel your very best – for optimum health.
