How to Treat Varicose Veins and Prevent Their Recurrence

Mar 29, 2016 by admin

Anatomy of varicose veins

In order to understand the reason why varicose veins develop, we simply must start with basic anatomy. Unlike arteries, the blood vessels that deliver blood rich in oxygen to all the organs, veins collect blood rich in carbon dioxide and deliver it to the heart and lungs. Veins normally contain valves. These structures prevent backflow of blood by directing blood towards the heart. Muscles in the legs also ensure that blood moves in the correct direction. Once these valves become too weak, blood accumulates in the lower extremities and the walls of the veins in the legs stretch, which eventually results in the formation of varicose veins.

Some individuals are prone to varicose veins. The condition is reported more among women, especially during pregnancy when the pressure caused by the baby may be extensive, causing excessive edema and blood pooling in the lower extremities. Varicose veins are also typical for obese individuals. It is even possible to accelerate their formation if you keep your leg crossed, particularly if the tendency to develop varicose veins runs in the family.

All those suffering from the condition certainly want to know how to treat varicose veins. Now, the treatment basically depends on the size of the affected blood vessels, associated problems (pain, itchiness, cosmetic issues etc.) and preexisting medical issues. While small, superficial visible veins on the legs require nothing but a few camouflage tricks, larger varicose veins demand more complex approach.

Sclerotherapy, for instance, acts efficiently against smaller varicose veins. This is an invasive treatment including injection of a specific substance directly into the affected vein. The substance triggers irritation of the lining of the blood vessel. As a result, the blood vessel shrinks and finally disappears.

Endovenous laser ablation is indicated in case of larger varicose veins. This procedure is performed only by an expert who definitely knows how to treat varicose veins and who is qualified to perform the procedure. This aggressive approach includes insertion of a laser fiber catheter into the vein. The heat destroys the vein and brings satisfactory results. The most common side effect of the procedure is bruising. It is reported more in individuals who are taking anticoagulants due to other underlying illness and those who are taking certain supplements such as gingko before being operated on.

In the end, it is essential to realize that varicose veins can easily come back. So apart from knowing how to treat varicose veins, a person must learn how to prevent their recurrence. By keeping your weight within optimal range and staying active, legs muscles will preserve their strength and assist veins to deliver blood to the upper parts of the body, preventing blood pooling. Furthermore, each day, usually in the evening, the legs are supposed to be propped higher than the heart for at least 10 minutes. This maneuver additionally removes stagnant blood from the lower parts of the body. And finally, if blood pooling cannot be controlled easily, there are support hose, a type of stockings which reduce edema, blood stasis and successfully prevent varicose veins from developing.