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5 Things You Must Know About Varicose Veins

1. Varicose veins is not specific to any age group. It can occur in both men and women of any age but affects mostly women that have given birth over the years and to older people. Aging has caused the body and the veins to become overworked and as a result the veins that assist in blood flow throughout the body causes the blood to flow back into the veins and collects instead of flowing straight to the heart. If there is also a history of this condition in the family then chances are it is in your genes and you stand a greater chance of developing this issue as well.

2. For most women taking birth control pills may also contribute to developing varicose veins. In addition to that taking hormone replacement pills and pregnancy will account for their presence. Serious weight gain; as this puts pressure on the veins and causes them to work extra hard to pump blood throughout the body, will account for the presence of these veins.

3. If someone says you have spider veins it does not necessarily mean it is the same thing as varicose veins. Though they may have the same features spider veins are much smaller. If you notice multiple veins on the skin whether they are twisted or bulging out and are dark purple or blue in color then you have varicose veins. Painful signs may include cramping in the legs, an intense pain after sitting or even standing or a heaviness in the legs.

4. To help prevent varicose veins you can exercise on a regular basis. Try power walking, aerobics and other exercises that improves and encourages circulation in the leg. When you sit try to ensure legs are properly elevated and avoid sitting with your legs crossed too much. Not only that, you should try to avoid both sitting and standing for prolonged periods, if you have to do this try moving around every ten to fifteen minutes. Try to stay away from tight clothing especially around the waist, legs and groin. Avoid too much high heels and try for low heeled shoes as these work calf muscles more. Try wearing compression stockings to see if this can reduce the veins. Compression stockings will squeeze the legs and try to help the blood to move more freely through the skin. Other treatment that can help is called vein stripping. This is where a doctor will try to remove a long vein by making small incisions. This will not be a difficult procedure and it will not harm you as there are other veins in the leg that will perform their duties

5. Having varicose veins can cause blood clots especially when veins inside the legs become enlarged. Adding to that ulcers can also happen. These can form near the varicose veins on the skin most commonly around the ankle area. Ulcers normally form when there is a buildup of fluid in these tissues which is as a result of increased blood pressure in the affected veins.