13. Varicose Veins - Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Did you know that More than 23 percent of all adults are thought to be affected by varicose veins, and Approximately 1 in 4 adults or 25 percent in the United States is affected by varicose veins.

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In fact, According to the Chicago Vein institute, More than 40 million people in the United States suffer from varicose veins. Almost 50% of varicose vein patients have a family history of varicose veins. This is a lot of people. Statistics further show that 17% of men and 33% of women have varicose veins. More and more people are unable to work due to vein disorders than due to arterial disease.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins, also known as varicoses or varicosities, usually announce themselves as bulging, bluish cords running just beneath the surface of your skin. They almost always affect legs and feet. Visible swollen and twisted veins, sometimes surrounded by patches of flooded capillaries known as spider veins, are considered superficial varicose veins.

In other words, Varicose veins are a symptom of weakened vein walls. The vein walls grow weak due to prolonged circulation in the vein by the arteries and due to lack of the proper nutrients. And hence, they fall down or bulge out.

Some potential causes for varicose veins include:

• The menopause;
• pregnanCy;
• You stand for too long;
• obesity;
• You are over 50;
• A family history of varicose veins.
• Also, according to MayoClinic. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, pre-menstruation or menopause may be a factor because female hormones tend to relax vein walls.

Symptoms you may experience including but not limited to

• your veins are blue or dark purple.
• Your veins look twisted and swollen.
• Your legs hurt;
• They are heavy at night;
• longer bleeding than normal from a minor injury;
• Your ankles are swollen ;
• You have spider veins;
• Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
• Itching around one or more of your veins
• Skin discoloration around a varicose vein

How can you prevent the Varicose veins in your everyday life?

It's hard to tell since There's no way to completely prevent varicose veins. However, improving your circulation and muscle tone may reduce your risk of developing varicose veins or getting additional ones. Here are some lifestyle improvements or things you can do to help:

• Exercising;
• Avoiding high heels and tight hosiery;
• Changing your sitting or standing position often;
• Eating a high-fiber, low-salt diet;
• Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise to improve your circulation.
• Don't sit with the legs crossed;
• Make sure you sit or sleep with your feet raised on a pillow
• Use compression socks or stockings. In fact, Your doctor may advise you to wear special compression socks or stockings. Not only These place enough pressure on your legs so that blood can flow more easily to your heart, but They also decrease swelling.