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Blood flows through your vascular system as it makes its way toward your heart. It is then pumped to your lungs in order to capture oxygen. Once filled with oxygen, your blood travels throughout your body through arteries. It goes through capillaries and releases the oxygen to your tissues. Then, it travels back to your heart again. Along the way, valves ensure the proper direction of the flow. If those valves fail to work, the flow backs up and the pressure causes your veins to swell.
Varicose veins (VVs) appear just beneath the skin's surface. They are a common affliction and can potentially lead to health issues, such as blood clots and skin ulcers. In this article, we'll describe a few of the factors that can cause varicose veins. We'll also explain how they're treated and how you can prevent them.
What Causes Them?
The primary cause of VVs are weakened or damaged valves. As explained above, the job of the valves is to make sure the blood is flowing in the right direction. When they become weakened, the blood might flow abnormally leading to growing pockets that swell.
There are several risk factors which can predispose a person to developing the problem. For example, in half of all cases, there is a genetic predisposition. Age is also a factor because the valves that are supposed to ensure the blood flow can weaken naturally over time. Also, gender seems to be an influence since more women cope with VVs than men. Pregnancy and obesity can both play a role, too; the increased pressure - whether from the fetus or extra body weight - can cause weakening in the valves.
Methods Of Treatment
There are several approaches to treatment and they are often used concurrently. Lifestyle changes include avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time without breaks. Patients who are overweight are encouraged to lose weight to improve circulation and reduce the amount of vascular pressure.
Doctors may also suggest medical procedures to close off or completely remove existing varicose veins. There are a number of medical approaches including laser surgery, injection of special chemicals, and even the use of radio waves. However, it is important to understand that treatment cannot prevent the formation of new VVs.
How To Prevent Them
Prevention is actually a misnomer because you cannot prevent varicose veins from developing. That said, if you're currently dealing with them, you can prevent them from worsening. Try to develop muscle tone and improve your circulation by participating in regular physical activity. You should also wear loose-fitting clothes as much as possible and avoid wearing shoes with high heels.
While varicose veins can seem unsightly, there are options available for patients who would like to have them removed. Consult a vascular specialist for recommendations that are suitable for your personal circumstances.
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