March 19, 2024

Why do Varicose Veins Appear, and how do you Get Rid of them?

Sclerotherapy

Varicose or spider veins can be unsightly and painful too. When you notice them in your legs or other body parts, you’ll likely wonder why they appeared in the first place and how you can get rid of them, fast. If it’s any consolation, you aren’t alone.

Varicose veins also referred as to varicosities happen when your veins become swollen, and with blood. They typically appear enlarged and dilated and have a red or purple-bluish color. The condition is common and affects about 23% of the adult population in the US alone.

Causes of varicose veins

Damaged or weak valves can cause varicose veins. Arteries transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, while veins bring back the blood to the heart. That’s the normal blood circulation process. For the veins to move the blood back to the heart, they need to work against gravity (which is the force that pulls things to the ground).

Under normal circumstances, the valves in these veins only allow blood flowing to the heart to pass through, but restrict any backflow. However, when they are damaged or weak, they are not strong enough to restrict blood from being pulled down by gravity. The backward flow causes the blood to collect in veins, and as a result, the veins become enlarged, twisted, and all stretched.

While varicose veins can affect anyone, some people are more susceptible to the conditions than others. For instance, women have higher chances of developing varicose veins than men because of the hormonal changes and pregnancy. Aging also puts one at risk since it wears and tears the valves. Other risk factors include obesity, family history, and prolonged standing or sitting.

How to get rid of varicose veins

Generally, doctors from top facilities like Advanced Vein Therapy are conservative when treating this condition. So they will likely recommend some lifestyle changes, especially if you have mild varicose veins. However, if your disease is severe, then may put you through medical treatment to give you the relief that you need.

Sclerotherapy

Home remedies

  • Regular exercise to encourage better circulation of blood
  • Compressional stockings to apply pressure to the legs
  • Dietary changes, like cutting down on salty foods to reduce water retention. Eating more flavonoids can also help
  • Elevate the legs to minimize stress in the leg veins and encourage blood flow with the help of gravity
  • Wear non-restrictive clothing

Medical treatments

If home remedies aren’t working or you’re still feeling discomfort, you can opt for medical treatment. Depending on your condition, the doctor may recommend a range of treatment, including:

  • Radiofrequency ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to treat venous diseases
  • The VenaSeal closure system is the only non-tumescent, non-thermal, non-sclerosant procedure certified for use in the US that utilizes a top-quality medical glue to close the diseased vein.
  • Sclerotherapy is where the doctor injects small or medium-sized varicose veins with foam or solution that scars and closes the veins.
  • Other medical treatments include laser treatment, catheter-assisted procedures, endoscopic vein surgery, and so on.