1. Getting to Know the Enemy: Varicose Veins
The blue or purple veins found in the legs and thighs are varicose veins. Varicose means
swollen and they are enlarged veins caused by weakened valves in the legs. These valves
are what prevent the blood from being stagnant and allows the blood to flow by opening
and closing. Varicose veins are an indication that your blood accumulates in those veins
because of the blood that flows back. This is the effect of damaged or weakened valves.
Many women get varicose veins due to pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is an
increased blood flow but the blood that flows from the legs to the pelvis decreases. The
change in the circulation is meant to support the growth and development of the fetus,
however, one of its side effects is the appearance of varicose veins which will show
towards the end of the pregnancy. That is because when the uterus expands, it exerts
greater pressure on the veins that are in the legs. Aside from that, there are hormones
which also cause varicose veins. The good news is that they will improve a few months
after the pregnancy and there is no need for any medical treatment.
Usually, these veins do not cause any pain. But when they do, you may feel that your legs
ache even if you did not do much standing or walking that day. They may also feel
heavy. Those are the most common symptoms of varicose veins. You may also
experience some throbbing or muscle cramping in the legs or you could feel pain after a
prolonged period of sitting down or standing. In most cases, however, varicose veins do
not pose any health or circulation problems.
Many people complain of having varicose veins as they get older. Most of the complaints
associated with varicose veins are about its appearance. In some cases, the veins may not
be blue or purple but are twisted and swollen veins that stick out of the skin.
2. The good news is that treating varicose veins does not really have to be a daunting task.
One thing you should avoid is sitting or standing for long periods as these affect the
blood circulation in the legs. There are home treatments which are effective in the
prevention of varicose veins such as wearing compression stockings. These stockings are
said to improve circulation, which makes wearing these stockings the number one
solution to varicose veins. Another effective solution is by keeping your legs elevated,
which means they should be above the heart when lying down. Basically, anything that
can improve your blood circulation (walking, biking, swimming) is an effective way of
getting rid of and preventing varicose veins from appearing.
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