Varicose veins are a problem for many people, both male and female. But they’re not just an aesthetic problem. They’re can also represent a serious health risk, in some cases.
We’ve all seen varicose veins. Some of us may have them, ourselves. These veins have been placed under stress for prolonged duration, leading to them becoming unable to fulfill their function adequately. Their protruding appearance is caused by the dilation of the valves inside the veins.
When this occurs, veins can no longer efficiently move blood through them, which may result in reflux (flowing backwards).
Should you be concerned about varicose veins? We hope to answer that question here.
What causes varicose veins?
As we get older, our risk of developing varicose veins becomes greater. While both sexes can be prone to the condition, only 20% of those treated are men. The rest are women.
Varicose veins can be provoked by several factors. One is standing for many hours, at work (cashiers, nurses, teachers). Another is aging, as we’ve mentioned above.
Your genes may also be at fault, as some cases of varicose veins are generational and genetic. Hormonal imbalances are also known to cause varicose veins, as well as being overweight, or obese.
When should you worry?
Not everyone gets a warning about varicose veins. They just appear. But there are some signs you need to know about. These indicate that your varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic annoyance and have become a health issue.
Muscle cramps can sometimes indicate that varicose veins need attention, but itching around the effected veins should also be monitored. Tired legs and numbness, as well as swelling in the ankles, are further signs that you may require medical attention.
Any kind of pain in your legs, if you have varicose veins, may mean a blood clot. It’s not worth leaving it to chance, as a blood clot can be life-threatening. Similarly, if any bleeding is experienced, seeking professional care is indicated.
While you should always pay attention to what’s going on with your varicose veins to ensure you’re managing the problem adequately through selfcare, most people don’t require medical attention.
An exercise program can help, as well as compression stockings and elevating the legs.
[primary_practice] – the gold circle of care.
At [primary_practice], we believe in caring for the whole person. That’s why offer a wide range of services to our guests, including primary care with a medical doctor.
If you’re concerned about your varicose veins and have been experiencing a combination of symptoms which are uncomfortable or painful, we urge you to book an appointment.
Varicose veins, as we’ve said earlier, aren’t always just an inconvenient cosmetic truth. They can sometimes indicate serious circulatory dysfunction which requires medical attention.
We hope this brief overview has provided you with sufficient information to guide you in your response to the appearance of varicose veins. As we’ve said, most are manageable with selfcare responses. But if you feel you need a doctor to look at them, don’t hesitate!
