Health Care

by Cindy Heller

Varicose veins are the swollen, enlarged veins that appear close to the surface of the skin. They are usually dark blue or purple in color. Any vein can become varicose, but most commonly affected veins are those found in the legs and feet. This usually happen because standing and walking upright increases pressure in the veins of the lower body which causes malfunction of the veins and results in varicose veins.

Varicose Veins May Indicate More Serious Problems

Most varicose veins are not a serious condition but they may cause aching pain and in certain instances can also lead to more serious conditions. Varicose veins can also be a symptom that indicates a higher risk of other circulatory system disorders.

Different Cause of Varicose Veins You Should Know

Before seeking treatment, one needs to know what causes varicose veins. The organ that pumps blood to all parts of the body is the heart, which then requires blood vessels to transport the blood to various parts of the body as well as back to the heart.

Although arteries transport blood from the heart to all parts of the body, it is the veins that carry blood back to the heart to be re-oxygenated. These vessels work continuously throughout our lifetime, and any problem in the function of the vessels can lead to some types of diseases and can also be the cause of varicose veins.

The Causes Of Varicose Veins

Some factors that can be considered a cause of varicose veins, include heredity, hormonal abnormalities, long periods of standing or sitting, and pregnancy. Before a suitable treatment can be suggested, it is necessary to determine the cause of varicose veins.

Obesity can also be one of the causes of varicose veins. This occurs because the extra weight usually causes strain on the legs of obese people. We should always maintain average body weight to reduce the chance of getting varicose veins.

Exercising regularly is also a good idea, as it will help improve blood circulation. One simple exercise you can do regularly is walking or jogging.

Deep vein thrombosis is another cause of varicose veins which leads to the veins becoming blue or dark purple in color. Varicose veins usually occur when the valves in the veins fail because of aging or the veins losing elasticity. This cause blood to pool in the veins and become varicose.

Another cause of varicose veins is hereditary, as the risk of getting varicose veins for women with a family history of varicose veins are greater than others.

One rare cause of varicose veins is overexposure to the sun. Too much sun may cause varicose veins on our face. To reduce chances of getting varicose veins, one should limit exposure to the harmful effects of the sun, maintain body weight and healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Treatment For Varicose Veins

There are various medical and non-medical treatment available for varicose veins. If you are looking for home remedies for varicose veins, try an application of apple cider vinegar to the affected veins. This method may help to shrink the veins within a month of beginning the treatment.

Other methods are by using compression stockings, creams and lotions or surgically removing the affected veins.

Many people worry about having varicose veins, because of the ugly appearance on the skin, and also the pain and discomfort involved. You should always seek medical advice to find out what treatment options are available for your case. Your doctor is the best person to advise you on how your condition should be treated and which treatment is best for you.

Each individual case of varicose vein may be different. Always remember that what may work on someone else may not work as well on you. You must be patient as it can often take a bit of time in order for the doctor to be able to determine what the best type of treatment would be for your particular situation.

Besides discussing with your doctor, you may also want to do some research on your own and read up about all of the different forms of treatment that are available for varicose veins. By doing this, you will be able to get the picture of what you might want to ask or point out to your doctor.

Some varicose veins surgeries are considered elective cosmetic surgery so there your insurance policies may not cover expenses incurred to treat this condition. However if your condition is severe and include symptoms such as swelling and bleeding, you may be able to get the treatment expenses covered through insurance. Check this out with your insurance provider before proceeding with the treatment.

About the Author

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about the cause of varicose veins and other related leg pain and varicose veins, please visit varicose vein cures.