Taking Care of Your Veins
Most people know varicose veins as those unsightly, blue cords that bulge out of someone’s legs. While they are often seen as a purely cosmetic issue, varicose veins can actually lead to some very serious health problems if left untreated. If you think you may have varicose veins, it’s important to seek medical help and find out what treatment options are available to you. Fortunately, Aloha Vein, located in the heart of Honolulu, offers the latest treatments to relieve your symptoms!
What are varicose veins and how do they form?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that can be seen just below the surface of the skin. They form when valves in the vein system malfunction, causing blood to pool and backup in the vein. This extra pressure can cause the vein walls to stretch and bulge outwards. This can also lead to a number of problems, including pain, cramping, swelling, and leg fatigue.
Symptoms of varicose veins
While not everyone with varicose veins will experience symptoms, those who do often have problems with:
- Swelling
- Leg fatigue
- Aching or throbbing sensation
- Itching around the vein
- Brown discoloration of the skin
- If left untreated varicose veins can lead to open skin sores
What can cause of varicose veins
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk for varicose veins, including:
- Genetics: If you have a family history of varicose veins, you’re more likely to develop them yourself.
- Pregnancy and childbirth: During pregnancy, the body’s hormones cause the valves in the vein system to relax. This can lead to varicose veins forming in the later stages of pregnancy, and they often disappear after giving birth.
- Aging: As we get older, our skin becomes thinner and less elastic. This makes it easier for varicose veins to form.
- Obesity: People who are overweight are more likely to develop varicose veins because extra weight puts pressure on the leg veins.
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time: This can cause the blood to stagnate in the veins, leading to varicose veins.
How to prevent varicose veins from getting worse
There are a few things you can do to help prevent varicose veins from getting worse:
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time. If you have to sit or stand for work, take regular breaks to walk around and stretch.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Wear compression stockings.
- Do not cross your legs when sitting.
- Exercise regularly.
Common treatment for varicose veins
There are a number of different treatment options available for varicose veins. The first treatment, and most conservative form of treatment, would be the use of compressions socks. Most insurances will require the use of compression socks before they will approve other treatments, so it is important to use compression socks early on.
If compression socks do not relieve your symptoms, the next option would be a minor outpatient procedure to seal the diseased vein. This will force blood flow to other surrounding veins and should relieve symptoms stemming from the diseased vein.
Healthy legs, healthy living!
Dr Yeo specializes in varicose vein treatment. Whether you are looking for a minimally invasive procedure like sclerotherapy, or surgery to remove your varicose veins (or both), Aloha Vein can help. If you want the best possible care that is personalized and tailored to meet your needs, contact Aloha Vein today!