As many as 40 million Americans suffer from varicose veins, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery. Varicose veins are enlarged blue tubes just beneath the skin and appear when the veins in the legs become less effective at moving the blood back to the heart to receive more oxygen.
Who is at risk?
The causes are usually age, genes, gender and pregnancy. With age, normally wear and tear takes it's toll on the veins. About half of the people with varicose veins have a family with a history of them. More than 70 percent of women in their 60's have some degree of varicose veins, while only 40 percent of men in their 60's do. In pregnancy, horomonal changes along with the fetus pushing against the veins in the lower pelvis, impede the blood flow to the legs.
Some treatments for Varicose Veins:
Sclerotherapy is when the doctor injects smaller varicose veins with a chemical that closes them from the inside, so they become invisible.
Vein excision is when smaller veins are removed through a series of tiny skin punctures.
Catheter procedures are when a thin tube, which is flexible, is slipped into the vein. Then heat constricts vessel walls and closed off the vein.
Vein stripping is usually done under general anesthesia and this involves tying off and removing long veins.
By maintaining a normal weight, getting regular exercise, not sitting or standing too long without moving and avoiding tight clothing can help people starve off varicose veins. However, there is not effective way to prevent them if the risk factors of age, genes, and gender are there.
Well-researched and informative.Fortunately, I don't have varicous veins, neither my mother. LOL. Thanks.