How to Improve the Look of Your Varicose Veins

Many people feel stigmatized because of their specific disabilities and medical conditions. Such social stigma is very unfortunate. It perpetuates many incorrect assertions regarding medical conditions that are often natural consequences of aging and lifestyle choices. One common but widely misunderstood condition with a stigma surrounding itis varicose veins.

What are Varicose Veins and Why Do People Get Them?

Varicose veins are a common medical condition among men and women, though it affects twice as many women than it does men. It manifests in the form of swollen, twisted veins in the leg area, typically behind the calves. They often take a blue hue as they form but can also be dark purple.

There are a variety of unavoidable reasons why varicose veins might form, pregnancy, obesity and old age being the most common. Pregnancy leads to the largest infliction area of varicose veins in the female body, with the affected areas often extending to the lower pelvic area, buttocks and calves. Though they may look painful, they generally don’t cause any pain or discomfort. But if it does cause problems, common symptoms include:

• Legs feel itchy and heavy
• Pain associated with a burning sensation in the swollen area
• Sudden pain after staying in the same position for lengthy periods of time

 What Can You Do to Lessen the Odds of Getting Them?

Now let’s talk about the things that you can do to reduce your chances of getting varicose veins. Lifestyle choices tend to matter the most, particularly controlling your diet, getting enough physical activity, wearing clothes that aren’t too tight and avoiding staying locked in the same standing or sitting position for extended periods.

What Do I Do if I Already Have Varicose Veins? 

Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options for those who have varicose veins. Standard treatments include: 

• Surgical Removal– Typically only considered when other treatments haven’t worked. Surgery can have a lengthy recovery time.
• Sclerotherapy– In this basic treatment method, chemicals are injected into the veins. While effective, the drawback is that the effects take a week to appear.
• Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment– In advanced cases of varicose veins inflammation, this form of treatment is required. Instead of an injection, a catheter tube is placed in the vein through a small incision. Then, heat generated through radiofrequency is applied to the affected area.
• Endovenous Laser Treatment– A more viable option instead of surgical removal. A laser is transmitted using a catheter tube to disintegrate the varicose vein. On the downside, one small mistake on the surgeon’s part can cause severe nerve damage.   

What Treatment is Best for Me?

Any of the treatments listed above can help remove varicose veins and make you feel more confident. Some deciding factors may include invasiveness, recovery time and price. If you’re considering vein removal, you can click here to learn more about varicose vein treatment. Hopefully, this information helps you feel less stigmatized by the condition and reminds you that you do have options when it comes to treatment.