|
Articles: Varicose Veins - You don't have to live with them
|
Varicose veins creep up even the shapeliest legs and can make them look less attractive. Over half of us after age of 40 have varicose veins or spider veins and they are potent reminder of aging…
No one knows for sure what causes varicose veins but it seems to run in some families – you can inherit the tendency to from varicose veins from either side of the family.
In fact the varicose veins are up to six times more common in women than men, which lead scientists to believe that female hormones play a strong role in their formation.
Lifestyle factors can also aggravate vein problem. Smoking, lifting very heavy weights and running on hard surfaces may also hasten the appearance of varicose veins. Low-fiber diet and sedentary lifestyle contribute a lot for developing varicose veins.
Whenever we are sitting or standing with our legs below the heart, gravidity’s working against us.
Some studies showed that compared with women without varicose veins, those with veins problems were more often obese, were less active, had higher blood pressure and were older at the onset of menopause.
They are not inevitable…
If you are significantly overweight, a gradual, healthy weight loss plan can be your veins’ biggest ally.
Make sure your diet is high on fiber to keep bowels healthy and stools soft. Drinking a lot of water – at least eight glasses a day could help a lot. Don’t smoke or if you do – stop it. Smoking increases your risk of developing interlaying vein disease, which can contribute to varicose veins. Be always careful about weight lifting exercises - use smaller weight and do more repetitions. Keep moving on the job – do not sit for two or three hours straight while you work. Be sure to get up and moving around often to keep your blood circulation.
There are three basic medical treatments for reducing varicose veins: sclerotherapy (injection), phlebotomy (stripping) and laser vein removal.
Laser vein removal is considered now to be the most effective method for removal of fine superficial veins – spider veins- especially on the leg area. Advancement in laser systems has made it so that up to 70% - 80% reduction in the vessels is seen after only 2-3 session. It is a lunchtime procedure so no recovery time is needed, yet non invasive method with only minimal discomfort.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a special caustic or sclerosing solution into the veins using a tiny needle. The solution causes the veins to blanch (turn white), than gradually disappear. Complete correction of the treated area is not expected on the first treatment. In most cases, about 50% - 70% of the treated vessels will be gone for good.
Larger varicose veins - the size of a pencil or more can be removed through a new procedure - ambulatory phlebotomy using fine cm incisions to introduce a special hook under local anesthesia, to remove them. Compression stockings are worn for several weeks afterwards. It is important, however, that improvement, not perfection, is the goal.
|
|
