Amelia Grant

Varicose veins, which are swollen or twisted veins caused by weak or damaged vein walls and irregular vein valves, are frequently ignored since they are considered a minor health condition that doesn't interfere with everyday activities. Varicose veins can lead to more major consequences, such as persistent ulcers and bleeding if they are not treated early and appropriately. Here is a list of seven facts about varicose veins that you should be aware of.

1. Varicose and spider veins are not the same 

Veins are not all made equal. Varicose veins are frequently confused with spider veins, but we're here to help you understand the distinctions. Spider veins are generally red or purple in hue, smaller, and flatter. Varicose veins are blue and protrude out on your legs.

Veins of both sorts are fairly common, but spider veins are much more so. There is also a variation in therapy. Because of their bigger size, varicose veins generally require more aggressive therapy than spider veins.

2. Being overweight or obese promotes varicose veins

It's critical to be in the right weight for your height and age. Your legs will be affected if you are overweight. Inquire with your doctor about your optimum weight, as well as advice on how to accomplish it. Inquire about nutrition recommendations, exercise programs, and support groups.

3. Varicose veins are quite common

While twisted or dilated veins can form in any part of the body, varicose veins are most typically found in the legs. Varicose veins are more common in obese or overweight people, as well as pregnant women. Females are more likely than males to have varicose veins. 

Male patients, on the other hand, tend to have more severe indications and symptoms, such as bulging veins that resemble large cables on the legs and varicose vein inflammation that affects the capillaries and lymphatic system in the surrounding areas.

4. Certain occupations can increase your risk of varicose veins

Lecturers or teachers, flight attendants, nurses, and office workers are at risk of developing varicose veins. Because the veins in the legs operate against gravity, standing for an extended amount of time causes increased pressure in the leg compared to other sections of the body.

Varicose veins are the consequence of a combination of weaker veins and irregular valves. Furthermore, there are various variables that contribute to varicose veins during pregnancy, including hormonal changes, increased weight, and total body fluid, all of which can impact the pressure of the veins, resulting in altered blood flow.

5. Varicose veins can actually occur in any part of the body

While varicose veins are more commonly found in men's and women's legs, they can appear everywhere. Because of the gravity effect, they mostly affect the legs. Varicose veins can be found on the face and neck, as well as anywhere else in the body where veins have been injured or compromised.

6. Varicose veins can be asymptomatic or cause little symptoms

Although no one likes the appearance of varicose veins, some people may not experience any pain as a result of them. Those who do have discomfort, however, often experience fatigue, swelling, itching, numbness, burning, and heaviness.

Keep a watch on your varicose veins and schedule an appointment with a vein expert if they start to swell and feel sensitive, or if they start to bleed. If varicose veins become a concern, you should get treatment as soon as possible.

7. There are many treatment options for varicose veins

Varicose veins have an edge in today's environment since there are more treatment alternatives than ever before. Vein treatment centers make use of cutting-edge technology to provide a wide range of effective vein treatment solutions that are tailored to the severity of your veins.

Vein experts will work with you to identify which vein treatment is best and likely to be the most effective for you, from minimally invasive therapies like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation to sclerotherapy and phlebectomy.