The Truth Behind Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged veins which are abnormally thick and are full of twists. These veins are most commonly found on the legs; however they can also occur in other areas of the body. Superficial veins, or veins that are close to the skin, are most commonly affected.

Aside from their ugly appearance, these enlarged veins also cause pain, especially when walking or even just standing.

What Causes Them?

Damaged valves inside the veins result in the vein’s enlargement. Because the valve is defective, it is unable to help move blood back to the heart and instead, blood flows back to the superficial veins. This causes a build up of pressure which ultimately causes the veins to become enlarged. These enlarged veins are caused by several factors which include pregnancy, menopause, prolonged standing, obesity and aging. Heredity is also a cause for enlarged superficial veins. Due to pregnancy and menopause, the condition more commonly affects women.

Treatment of the Condition

Treatment can be classified into two types: conservative and active. Conservative treatment refers to the simple things that can be done to prevent and not aggravate the condition. Active treatment refers to both surgical and non-surgical procedures that are done to eliminate or reduce the enlarged veins. Active treatments include stripping (the main trunk of the vein is removed); sclerotherapy (medicine is injected into the enlarged vein for the purpose of shrinking it) and ELA, a form of laser treatment.

How to Prevent Getting the Condition

To help prevent the occurrence of varicose veins means that the legs and feet should not be subjected to a lot of pressure on an ongoing basis. Performing conservative treatments are also preventive measures that are helpful and effective. Among these conservative actions include elevating the legs as much as possible (above heart level); eating a diet which consists of food that is low-fat, fibrous and low sodium; avoiding substances that are vein dilators (alcohol); avoiding frequent crossing of legs when in a sitting position; and walking. If you are confined to an office all day, try to not stay in one position for too long. For instance, after sitting for a period of time, get up and move around; do some walking. Walking is good because it helps the muscles pump blood toward the heart. Avoid wearing clothes that are tight fitting, especially at the waist and legs. Having good posture also helps prevent varicose veins as it puts less pressure on the veins in the legs.

Dr George M Calfas is a Cosmetic and Laser Physician located in Sydney. Dr Calfas offers Varicose Vein Removal, Skin Cancer Treatments, Laser Hair Removal, Wrinkle Injections, Skin Filling Injections, Lipolysis and Lipodissolve. For more information visit Skin Cancer Treatment Campbelltown