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VARICOSE VEINS
To help with this process, veins are
equipped with one-way valves that let blood
swoop through, they then snap shut so that
it can't flow back - much like a canal and
locks system.
The problem is that canals in varicose veins
do not work efficiently. This causes blood to
collect in blood vessels, which, in turn
eventually lose their elasticity due to the
pressure.
The result can be unsightly "ropes". Veins
most prone to varicosities are those near the
surface of the leg, the saphenous veins.
The greater saphenous vein goes from the
inside of your ankle to your groin; the lesser
saphenous vein starts on the outside of your
ankle and runs behind your knee.
Superficial veins are those directly beneath
the skin. They are easily seen and felt. Their
size depends on their diameter and degree
of dilation.
Spider veins are small dilated vessels called
capillaries which appear in tiny, purplish-blue threads. They are superficial and easily
treated. They appear most commonly on the
outer part of the, thighs or behind the knees,
though they can be found on any part of the
lower extremities.
SYMPTOMS:
If you are suffering from any of these
symptoms, you could be on your way to
experiencing varicosities.
Untreated varicose veins may lead to more
severe complications or ulcers, therefore it is
important that you see your family
physician.
A physician may prescribe medication or
support stockings to help with veins or any
swelling in the legs you may be
experiencing.
CAUSES
Pregnancy and oral contraceptive use may
account for the very high percentage of
incidences among females. Veins like any
other part of our body may sustain damage
following an injury or inflammation.
The following are all contributing factors:
Pregnancy, heredity, obesity, occupation,
injury, deep vein thrombosis, diet,
constrictive clothing and orthopedic
disorders.
The greater possibility of varicose veins in
women also seems to point to hormonal
differences. Women are prone to varicose
veins during certain stages of their
menstrual cycle due to increased estrogen
and progesterone levels.
REDUCING THE PROBLEM Although many of us have them and many
of us will get them, there are prophylactic
measures you can take to avoid developing
varicose veins:
If you have a tendency to develop those tiny
spider veins, or suffer from tired aching legs,
start wearing support hosiery, stockings or
socks.
Many different kinds of compression
hosiery, available in a variety of colours and
compressions, are being used by many
active individuals in their regular daily
routine to avoid or minimize onset of
varicose veins.
Tired aching legs will become a thing of the
past. Public awareness and the availability
of an extensive assortment of compression
hosiery will reduce the likelihood of
varicose veins in the future.
Varicose Care products are available |
Symptoms
Veins are thin-walled blood vessels that
carry oxygen-depleted blood toward the
heart. While those in the upper body often
have gravity on their side, leg veins must
fight the earth's pull every inch of the way.
