Varicose veins are abnormally large veins that are generally twisted in appearance. They can be very painful and are typically found in the legs. To help prevent varicose veins, an individual may work to maintain a healthy body weight. In addition, elevation, frequently changing positions and avoiding especially tight clothing can also serve as noteworthy prevention methods. Compression stockings may also be used to prevent varicose veins.
Like most illnesses and health conditions, there is no definite way to fully prevent the formation of varicose veins. There are things one can do, though, that may greatly cut down his or her chances of getting this vein problem. One of the greatest prevention measures is to maintain a healthy body weight. Generally, this may be done through eating a healthy diet and frequently exercising. In addition, an individual who is overweight may prevent varicose veins by working to lose the extra weight.
Elevation may be used to prevent varicose veins in one of their most common locations — the legs. This is a good preventive method because elevation can keep blood circulating in the legs in a normal fashion. The elevation will typically keep blood from pooling in the legs, which can lead to varicose veins. To properly elevate the legs, it is commonly recommended that the legs be raised to the level of the person's heart. In most cases, the best time to practice this prevention method is when one can spare enough time to sit or lie uninterrupted.
In addition, frequently changing positions can prevent varicose veins. Frequently changing positions can help improve equal blood circulation in the legs and whole body. For this reason, a person should not sit or stand for excessively long periods. Furthermore, as varicose veins are most prone to appear in the legs, standing for very long amounts of time can put too much pressure on the legs. Especially tight clothing should also be avoided, because tight clothes can impact blood circulation as well.
Compression stockings may also be used for varicose veins. These stockings work by improving blood circulation in the legs by squeezing them. Fortunately, compression stockings come in a wide variety of colors, strengths and styles. An individual who chooses to wear compression stockings should be careful to find stockings that fit appropriately. This is essential because the better fitting the stocking is, the more comfortable and the better compression it may provide.
Even while using preventive measures, varicose veins may still develop, therefore varicose veins treatment is often necessary. Often, doctors use laser ablation for varicose veins. In addition, physicians may also use sclerotherapy for varicose veins treatment. This procedure involves injecting a solution directly into the veins which causes scar tissue to form and within a few weeks the veins should fade from existence. The exact treatment a doctor uses for vein problems of this kind may depend on the symptoms of varicose veins and how much they impact an individual's daily life.