Varicose Veins Symptoms, Treatment

Varicose veins refer to a condition where the veins become swollen, twisted and painful and are full of abnormal amounts of blood. Although the veins in the legs are most commonly affected by this condition and pain a lot, varicose veins can also affect other parts of the body. Varicose veins in legs during pregnancy are another common occurrence. One of the most common varicose veins symptoms is pain which is more evident at night and after any form of physical exercise. Other internal varicose veins symptoms include enlarged or swollen veins, bluish brown discoloration closer to the affected veins, dryness, itching and redness in the surrounding skin, cramps as a result of sudden movements and swollen ankles.

Varicose veins symptoms in men may be different than those experienced by women. Protruding varicose veins in men may not cause as much discomfort and pain as in the case of women. Abdominal varicose veins symptoms are pretty much the same as other varicose veins symptoms. Regular yoga for varicose veins symptoms can help alleviate the symptoms of this condition and also strengthen the remaining blood vessels in the body. Yoga poses like the Inverted posture,, the Mountain pose, the Corpse pose, Headstand and the knee to chest pose are very helpful to varicose veins patients.

The best way to permanently get rid of varicose veins is laser treatment, although varicose veins treatment at home may also be tried for immediate relief. The varicose vein laser treatment procedure involves injecting a thin laser filament inside the vein and using laser energy to internally heat the vein to permanently close the defective vein. This treatment can be used for both deep and superficial veins. The varicose veins treatment cost depends on factors like the type of laser technology used, the demand for the laser procedure and also the size of the affected area that is to be treated. Apart from conventional treatment options, natural substances like horse chestnut extract, pine bark extract, grape seed extracts and Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) can also be used as varicose veins natural treatment remedies. These natural extracts help in reducing pain and inflammation in the veins and also strengthen the walls of the blood vessels.

Causes of Varicose Veins

The most common causes of varicose veins in legs include damage to the walls of the blood vessels, ageing, obesity, lack of movement and genetics. Other abnormal causes of varicose veins of the lower extremity can be evaluated with the help of Doppler ultrasonography and CT venography. The causes of varicose veins in men are the same as in women but men tend to neglect their health more in comparison to women and hence don’t seek treatment just as quickly. On the other hand causes of varicose veins in children include congenital abnormalities, obesity, tight clothes, excess exposure to the sun and other injuries. The two major causes of varicose veins in pregnancy are the increased volume of blood in the veins due to certain hormonal changes and the excess pressure exerted by the uterus on the blood vessels especially in the legs. Vulvar varicose veins in pregnancy can cause a swelling in the pelvic area and this is mainly a result of excess pressure exerted by the uterus on the vulvar veins. Many women also experience vaginal varicose veins in pregnancy but vaginal and vulvar varicosities do not require any specific treatment and they usually subside when the pregnancy ends. Often varicose veins in pregnancy cause pain and cramps in the legs but this can be prevented with regular walks and exercises.

Varicose Veins in Pregnancy

Varicose veins in pregnancy in the groin region can be more serious as it can create clots which can break off and travel to the lungs resulting in death. However this is not a very common phenomenon in pregnancy. It is difficult to prevent varicose veins in pregnancy and treatment options are best considered after childbirth. However during pregnancy simple precautions like gaining the right amount of weight, regular exercise, avoiding sitting or standing for prolonged periods and using pregnancy support hoses can help minimize varicose veins problems. Some of the most common symptoms of varicose veins in the legs are pain, swollen, bulging veins and skin discoloration. Excess blood accumulation in the veins is one of the main causes of varicose veins in legs. Wear and tear of the valves can be caused by many factors and this leads to blood stagnation in the veins resulting in bulging veins.

Varicose Veins Surgery Treatment

The best treatment for varicose veins in legs is laser surgery. However there are some varicose veins surgery complications like bruising, bleeding and scarring about which the patient should be informed before the surgery itself. Some of the varicose veins surgery side effects include breathing and heart problems due to anesthesia, blood congestion or bleeding, infections, nerve tissue damage and blood clots. Generally the varicose veins surgery recovery time for laser treatments is much faster than other invasive surgical methods. Varicose veins surgery cost largely depends on the nature of the surgery (laser or invasive) and also the size of the area to be operated upon. Varicose veins treatment only serves to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the disorder and may not prevent the symptoms from recurring.

Submitted on January 16, 2014