Varicose Veins: The Unsightly Truth and the Easy Solution

Posted on 25. Jul, 2009 by Valerie in Cosmetic Imperfections

Anyone who has varicose veins can tell you very quickly what they are. If you are a sufferer, then you are about to hear a description with which you are all too familiar. For people who do not suffer from varicose veins, here is a basic definition.

Sometimes, blood that is supposed to return to the heart after it has been used, does not circulate correctly. This tends to happen the most in the legs. When the blood does not return as it should, it stays in the veins, pooling and causing the veins to distend.

Varicose veins happen when that pooled blood puts pressure on the veins, pushing them outward. Their appearance is of protruding patterns of veins as they push against the skin. They can even appear like gnarly wood. Most people suffer from these veins on their legs and ankles, but they also occur at times on the feet.

Many people who have to stand on their feet for extended periods of time, or people who suffer from poor circulation may suffer from varicose veins. The problem is most prominent in women and obesity or multiple childbirths can also lead to the vein problem.

There is no denying it – varicose veins are ugly. They create unsightly patterns that can make a person want to hide their legs even if the temperature tops out at one hundred degrees. Unfortunately, the look of varicose veins is not the only problem. People who suffer from the problem severely will experience pain and throbbing in their legs.

Extremely serious varicose veins can lead to potentially life threatening blood clots.  Skin ulcers where the veins burst and bleed can also happen in bad cases.

Now that you know the unsightly truth, you must be wondering what can be done. Thankfully, there is treatment available. There are a number of treatments available for the problem.

Exercise, weight loss, and supportive stockings can ease minor problems with varicose veins. The veins can be closed up with special injections or lasers. In the very severe cases, surgery can be performed.

New non-surgical procedures, where a doctor uses a catheter to clean out the bad vein and close it up are becoming a more popular option over surgery since it can be done in a doctor’s office.

If you suffer from varicose veins that are severe enough to feel pain, then you should definitely talk to a doctor so that you can make sure you do not suffer from any worsening condition.