Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that appear just under the skin, most often on the legs. They develop when weakened valves let blood pool inside the vein. Women are affected more often than men, as pregnancy, hormonal changes and menopause can relax vein walls, while a growing baby adds pressure on the legs. Staying active, raising your legs and avoiding long hours in one position can ease the heaviness. If the veins become painful, see a doctor.
Varicose veins are common and can usually be managed with simple habits such as staying active, raising your legs when you rest, avoiding long periods in one position and wearing comfortable footwear, which can ease the heaviness and swelling. If the veins become painful, the skin around them changes, or the discomfort affects your daily routine, it is a good idea to have them checked by a doctor rather than waiting for them to settle on their own.
Are you embarrassed by the unsightly veins running down your limbs? Are the veins that look like spider webs a literal pain in your legs? Have you been wondering what they are? Well, they are called varicose veins. They are the enlarged, protruding veins which can sometimes be lumpy or twisted.
Varicose veins are very common. Three out of ten people have them.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins usually doesn’t cause any discomfort. Only a few cases result in pain or lead to skin ulcers and blood clots. These twisted veins mostly develop in the legs, which can be quite unsightly. Do not go by the way it looks – it may look scary. But, one must note that it is a common condition and can be treated by simple measures.
Varicose veins develop when the valves that open to let the blood flow into the heart become weak or damaged due to some reason. This causes the blood to flow backwards resulting in blood pools in the veins. This causes the veins (certain areas) to swell and twist.
If you are looking for a good doctor to consult with, we highly recommend our own center. The doctors at Motherhood hospitals will offer treatment options after a careful examination, and collaboration with the experts from other fields of expertise, to ensure you receive the best multidisciplinary care.
What are the Risk Factors?
Certain factors elevate your risk of developing varicose veins, they are:
- Age
- Sex
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal imbalance
- Family history
- Obesity
- Standing or sitting for a long time
Can Varicose Veins be cured?
If the varicose veins do not cause any discomfort to the patient, it is left untreated. Complete prevention of varicose veins is close to impossible, but improving circulation and muscle tone can help in reducing your risk of developing it.
Here are a few things you can do to help prevent varicose veins :
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing weight
- Consuming a diet rich in fibre and low in salt
- Wearing comfortable shoes
- Elevating your legs
If the varicose veins cause discomfort, pain, or complications like ulcers, blood clots, and abnormal bleeding, treatment may be required to reduce the discomfort. The go-to treatment option for a serious case of varicose veins is surgery. Here, large veins are surgically removed under the effect of general anaesthesia. The entire operation is performed on an outpatient basis.
If surgery is on your mind, then you can step into one of our centers. The highly qualified team of surgeons and nurses at Motherhood consists of some of the best general surgeons in Bangalore. The latest advancements in medicine and technology at Motherhood also aid your treatment and recovery.
With our experienced staff, modern infrastructure and well-equipped laboratory services, we at Motherhood are confident of catering to all your medical needs, and of providing you with a safe and comprehensive solution to every health problem.
If you have any queries, we are happy to answer them. Do give us a call.
