Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are unsightly, enlarged veins that bulge beneath the skin. This condition can cause a great deal of discomfort to a person, as well as make them feel self-conscious. There are a number of factors that cause varicose veins in men and women — from bearing children to obesity to genetics. What many people may not realize is that they do not necessarily have to live with varicose veins. There are several ways to treat the condition. Here are some commonly asked questions about varicose veins, Symptoms, and the latest advancements in treatment for the condition.
Who suffers from varicose veins?
Varicose veins are actually quite common and affect up to 30% of the population. They are more often seen in women who have had children although there is also a strong genetic component as well. Most patients with varicose veins have either a mother or father with a history of varicose veins. Patients that are obese and have spent long hours standing can also have a higher incidence of varicose veins as well.
What can be done to prevent the symptoms from varicose veins?
Aside from weight loss, there really is no way to prevent varicose veins. The symptoms, however, are quite easily treated with simple compression stockings. These come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors and can be either prescription or over the counter. Only knee high compression stockings are needed in the vast majority of patients and they only need to be worn during the day. Being vigilant with them is oftentimes enough to improve symptoms and prevent them from worsening.
Will my diet affect my varicose veins?
In a word, yes. What you eat can improve or exacerbate your varicose veins. Eating more colorful fruits and vegetables and high-fiber foods, for example, will lead to a healthier body in general and in turn, healthier veins. In contrast, salty foods put greater pressure on veins by encouraging water retention. Similarly, dairy and red meat minimize consumption of foods that can worsen varicose veins by promoting constipation like, another source of excessive pressure on veins.
Are compressions stockings actually an effective treatment?
Compression stockings can be a highly effective treatment for patients with varicose veins or other chronic venous insufficiency. By applying direct pressure to the afflicted veins, these garments stimulate blood flow in them, reducing inflammation and preventing blood from accumulating. Nevertheless, compression stockings should be worn to complement a treatment plan, and you should always ask a doctor about which type of stocking is right for you.
Will one procedure eliminate my varicose veins?
A short venous procedure such as a vein ablation can successfully eliminate or greatly diminish varicose veins, but since varicose veins are often caused by a genetic predisposition, there is a slight chance of a recurrence. The type of treatment you receive will also affect the possibility of another outbreak. Vein stripping, for example, has proven much less effective than newer techniques like ablation and sclerotherapy, with many patients experiencing pain and inflammation again within a few months of their stripping procedure.