Varicose Veins

Varicose Veins are superficial veins that have become enlarged or twisted near the skin surface. They are commonly found on the legs, but can be found elsewhere on the body. They are caused by valves in the vessels that do not function properly, causing the blood to leak or flow backwards, building up pressure and weakening the vein. This condition can lead to a risk of developing blood clots and deep vein thrombosis.http://wo-pub2.med.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/PublicA.woa/2/wa/viewHContent?website=nyp+vascular&contentID=3987

According to the National Women's Health Information Center, you can do some things to help prevent the occurrence of varicose veins:

1. Wearing of support hosiery or stockings
2. Avoiding the wearing of tight fitting clothes
3. Walking and running exercises support improved blood circulation in the legs
4. Avoid crossing your legs when you are sitting. Have your feet on the floor.
5. Reduce your weight if you are overweight
6. Avoid standing for long periods of time
7. High fiber and low salt diets are recommended
8. Use sunblock when outside http://www.womenshealth.gov/news/english/631323.htm
9. The Mayo Clinic also recommends elevation of your legs http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/varicose-veins/DS00256/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

Disclaimer: The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information about Varicose Veins.

Varicose veins can usually be managed by some of the prevention measures previously mentioned, such as compression hosiery, elevation of the legs when sitting, exercising and avoiding standing for long periods of time. If you have severe aching, infections or venous ulcers, then surgery is recommended. However, cosmetic surgery is common. http://wo-pub2.med.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/PublicA.woa/2/wa/viewHContent?website=nyp+vascular&contentID=3987

Here are the various surgical options that are available:

1. Laser - Laser light can close off spider veins and smaller varicose veins. The featured video below describes the procedure.
2. Sclerotherapy - Veins are injected with a solution that closes the veins, which disappear in a few weeks. Performed on spider veins and smaller varicose veins.
3. Vein stripping - Involves surgical removal of long veins. Deeper veins in the leg take over the work of the veins that are removed.
4. Catheter-assisted - This procedure is done on large varicose veins. The tip of a thin catheter is inserted in to a vein and the tip is heated. On withdrawal of the catheter, the heat seals the vein.
5. Ambulatory phlebectomy - The skin is pricked, or punctured to help in the removal of smaller varicose veins, resulting in minimal scarring.
6. Endoscopic surgery - Needed in the case of severe ulcers on the legs. This outpatient procedure removes veins by making small incisions with the help of small video camera fiber that is inserted into the leg. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/varicose-veins/DS00256/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

• MedHelp: Varicose Veins Posts

• That's Fit: Tips on Preventing Varicose Veins (August 19, 2007)