Most women have them and hate them as much as I do. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, and sometimes painful veins that have filled with an abnormal collection of blood. The National Institutes of Health estimate that 33% of women and 17% of men in the USA are affected and they generally run in families.
Veins are one-way valves that help keep blood flowing to your heart. Sometimes the valves can become weak or damaged, which puts pressure on the veins creating a back up of blood. This causes the veins to swell, which can lead to varicose veins.
Varicose veins are predominantly found in the legs and feet, which can be an occupational hazard if you are constantly standing and walking a lot, if pregnant, aging, or obese. Except for their ugly nature, there is generally not much of a heath threat, but if you are feeling pain or swelling, you should seek medical help immediately.
Spider veins or Telangiectasias, are similar to varicose but smaller and cannot be felt. They appear close to the skin’s surface and can be caused by the backup of blood, hormone changes, exposure to the sun, and injuries. Spider veins are aptly named for their web-like, tree branch, or fine line appearance and generally appear on face and legs. Spider veins are what generally most suffer from.
Home Remedy Options:
- Avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting
- Daily exercise
- Elevate Legs
- Wear compression stockings
- Weight loss
Medical Treatment Options:
- Sclerotherapy
- Laser treatment
- Radiofrequency
- Endovenous laser ablation
- Microphlebectomy
- Superficial laser therapy
- As with any medical treatment option, make sure to research what might be best for you and research the facility you are thinking of using. Talk to people who might have had treatments and get referrals.
Sources:
http://vasculardisease.org/varicose-veins/
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/varicose-veins-topic-overview
