6 Varicose Veins Facts to Help Minimize their Risks

Varicose veins in New York are a concern affecting a significant percentage of the adult population. Though the condition is not a preserve for the legs, your lower limbs are the most affected because the veins in your legs work against gravity. Knowing more about the unsightly veins might help you know what to expect and how to manage the damaged blood vessels before they advance into a severe venous condition. Interesting facts you might need to know about the veins include:  

  1. The damaged veins can appear on any part of your body. Though the twisted and dilated veins can develop anywhere on your body, your legs are the most affected. You are likely to have unsightly veins if you are pregnant or obese. Although varicose veins are common in women, men experience severe signs, unlike women. For instance, the bulging veins might appear like tight cords on men’s legs. Unfortunately, an inflammation of the affected veins may affect your lymphatic system and capillaries in the nearby areas. 
  2. Varicose veins are preventable. Enhancing your muscle tone and blood circulation might minimize the development of varicose veins or the occurrence of multiple veins. The medical expert might advise you to:
  • Control your weight
  • Change your position regularly
  • Avoid standing or sitting for extended periods
  • Exercise regularly to enhance your vascular strength
  • Avoid tight clothing that might affect circulation
  1. External medications might not help cure varicose veins completely. Your doctor will request tests and procedures to ensure an effective diagnosis. The vein specialist might also inquire about your medical history. For instance, your physician will conduct a thorough physical exam then ask a few questions like when you started experiencing the symptoms and if you have another health-related concern. The doctor may recommend Duplex ultrasound to evaluate your veins and whether the blood vessels are fully functional or evidence of blood clots. The noninvasive process helps the vein expert assess the root cause of the bulging veins before recommending treatment to minimize the chances of the veins reoccurring.
  2. Varicose veins have varying levels of severity. While mild manifestations might appear as spider veins, profound representations appear as varicose veins, looking like endless dark-brown cords on your skin surface. 
  3. Occupations with extended sitting or standing increase your risk of developing varicose veins. Since your legs’ veins work against gravity, prolonged standing periods increase the pressure in your legs compared to your other body parts. As a result, the weak and damaged valves start showing on your skin surface as varicose veins. The increased body weight, hormonal changes and body fluids likely to affect the pressure in a pregnant mother’s leg veins during pregnancy might also prompt the veins to bulge.      
  4. Varicose veins’ warning signs you should watch out for include swelling, burning, numbness and throbbing sensations in your legs. You might also feel like your legs are heavier than usual. Seeking medical help earlier increases your treatment options, allowing the medical professional to check for potential underlying health concerns.

Having varicose veins on your legs is not something you should ignore. While some people want them off for cosmetic purposes, some bulging veins might signify an underlying health condition. Contact your vein specialist to know more about varicose veins.