Varicose veins (medical terms: varices, varicosis, or varicosity) are distended veins that appear, above all on the legs, as convoluted swellings that sometimes protrude as knot-like bulges on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are easily visible and palpable. In contrast to the mostly harmless spider veins, varicose veins can cause massive symptoms. Furthermore, they are often a sign of deeper-lying venous disease.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
- Tired legs
- Heavy legs
- Swollen legs
- Night leg cramps
- Duplex ultrasonography
- Ultrasonography
- Doppler sonography
- What happens if varicose veins are left untreated?
- Skin changes
- Eczema
- Painful venous ulcers
- Open venous leg ulcers (ulcus cruris)How are varicose veins treated?
- Preventive measures
- You have hereditary lax connective tissue. This is often the case if varicose veins and other venous diseases are found in your close relatives.
- You have a job that regularly involves long periods of sitting, standing or squatting. The joint and muscle pumps can only function 100% during movement and the veins are pumped empty by muscle activity.
- You suffer from chronic constipation. The pressure on the abdominal cavity increases, this puts an added burden on the veins.
- You regularly drink (a lot of) alcohol. Alcohol acts to widen the veins.
- You are pregnant or have just given birth, or you are taking the pill or a hormone preparation for the menopause. Hormonal changes favor varicose veins.
- You have to sit or stand for long periods in special situations – for example, on long journeys (especially on airplanes) or when working at events.
In these circumstances, even people with healthy veins are recommended to wear knee-high compression socks or stockings. Tips for everyday living
Diagnosis:
- Get as much exercise as possible. Change position more often – put your legs up every now and again.
- Stick to a balanced diet.
- Lose any excess weight.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
- Choose comfortable flat shoes and avoid high heels when possible.
- Shower your feet regularly with cold water. Hot and cold showers strengthen the connective tissues.
- Plan regular 10-minute sessions of vein exercises into your daily routine.
- Elevate your legs often
- Wear insoles if you have flat feet or splayfoot.
- Wear medical compression stockings or socks.
Diagnosis:
For an exact diagnosis, the doctor examines the extent of the venous insufficiency and checks whether deeper-lying veins are jointly responsible for the varicose veins. The following medical procedures are used in the diagnostic investigation of varicose veins:
People with varicose veins suffer from tired and heavy legs, mostly at night after standing or sitting all day, but also in hot weather. The ankles may also be swollen in the evenings, because water has collected in the tissues. You can relieve these symptoms by moving around or lying down. Many of those affected also suffer from calf cramp at night.
If left untreated, severe varicosity (varicose veins) can cause grave risks to health. Chronic venous insufficiency leads to growing disorders of the blood circulation and causes
If the disease progresses further, the varicose veins may become inflamed and blood clots can form (thromboses) that may ultimately lead to a pulmonary embolism.
While varicose veins are not completely preventable, if you improve your circulation and muscle tone, you can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins.
Medical compression stockings are the disease-modifying form of treatment for varicose veins. These stockings exert mechanical pressure on the veins, which reduces the venous diameter and allows the blood to flow more quickly. Thanks to the pressure gradient that reduces from the ankle upwards, the blood no longer pools in the legs.
You can most effectively prevent varicose veins and other venous diseases by consistently wearing medical compression garments with mild compression (e.g. compression class 1).
This investment in your health is long-lasting, particularly since compression garments last at least six months if they are maintained properly. Your doctor can also prescribe medical compression garments for you if they are medically necessary.
For more information visit www.alpinehomemedical.com or to purchase compression stockings at alpinemedi.com
People with varicose veins suffer from tired and heavy legs, mostly at night after standing or sitting all day, but also in hot weather. The ankles may also be swollen in the evenings, because water has collected in the tissues. You can relieve these symptoms by moving around or lying down. Many of those affected also suffer from calf cramp at night.
If left untreated, severe varicosity (varicose veins) can cause grave risks to health. Chronic venous insufficiency leads to growing disorders of the blood circulation and causesIf the disease progresses further, the varicose veins may become inflamed and blood clots can form (thromboses) that may ultimately lead to a pulmonary embolism.
While varicose veins are not completely preventable, if you improve your circulation and muscle tone, you can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins.
Medical compression stockings are the disease-modifying form of treatment for varicose veins. These stockings exert mechanical pressure on the veins, which reduces the venous diameter and allows the blood to flow more quickly. Thanks to the pressure gradient that reduces from the ankle upwards, the blood no longer pools in the legs.
You can most effectively prevent varicose veins and other venous diseases by consistently wearing medical compression garments with mild compression (e.g. compression class 1).
This investment in your health is long-lasting, particularly since compression garments last at least six months if they are maintained properly. Your doctor can also prescribe medical compression garments for you if they are medically necessary.
For more information visit www.alpinehomemedical.com or to purchase compression stockings at alpinemedi.com
