Varicose Veins: Common Questions and Answers

While varicose veins can be an unsightly cosmetic problem, they may also be associated with pain for some individuals. Although this phenomenon is usually quite rare, these enlarged vessels can cause aching, itching and sometimes a burning sensation in the extremity that is affected. When this happens, standing or sitting for long periods of time can become uncomfortable and lead to other problems. Hence, varicose veins surgery and treatment is not always for cosmetic purposes.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

The most common causes of this problem occur due to age related changes in the body. Over time, the veins naturally lose some elasticity, resulting in enlargement and a twisted-like composure. Other common causes may include pregnancy, weight gain and standing on the feet for long periods of time. All of these things exert more pressure, usually in the legs, making the veins work harder against the natural pull of gravity.

What About Complications?

Although rare, there are complications associated with varicose veins. These may include ulcers in the legs and feet and blood clotting. However, these complications are often more pronounced in those that have underlying health conditions. This may include individuals with cardiac problems or those that suffer from diabetes mellitus for example. Despite the fact that these complications do not occur routinely, they can become quite serious.

Can They Be Prevented?

Although the likelihood of developing a varicose vein can be decreased, the risks cannot completely be eliminated. One of the biggest ways to help prevent this disorder is by making a few healthy lifestyle changes. Effectively managing weight, regular exercise and promoting good circulations are all ways to significantly reduce the development of the varicose vein. For example, those that must stand frequently should change position and stretch their legs often. Research also suggests that a low sodium diet and comfortable foot and leg wear may be beneficial.

Treatment Options

Varicose veins surgery and laser treatments are the more traditional methods utilized to treat this problem. However, there are several disadvantages associated with these procedures. This may include longer healing times, bruising and greater discomfort than other methods available. An alternative procedure that is being used more frequently is the VNUS closure procedure. Unlike the more traditional methods, this is the least invasive and bruising is significantly minimized. Lack of scarring, decreased pain following the procedure and the end result has made the VNUS closure procedure the preferred solution to varicose veins.