What Are Varicose Veins? Article

	1888 Articles Home \| Health Articles \| Personal Issues Articles	Health RSS
What are Varicose Veins?

Most common in legs and ankles, varicose veins are large, twisted veins that many people find aesthetically unpleasing. In addition to an unflattering appearance, varicose veins may indicate deep vein thrombosis, a serious condition in which blood flow is being blocked from deeper veins.

Author: Sara Goldstein

Article Tools:

Deep vein thrombosis can cause pulmonary embolism, which may result in serious medical issues, including death.

In some cases, these dark blue, enlarged veins may provide little more than emotional discomfort due to their appearance. However, in many instances, varicose veins may produce other symptoms including:
• Discomfort such as itching and pain in the legs
• Leg and ankle swelling
• Calf muscle pain, particularly after long periods of sitting
• Skin changes such as discoloration, inflammation, and dry, scaly skin

Causes of Varicose Veins

There are valves in your veins that pump blood to your heart. When these valves become weakened, blood and pressure builds up, resulting in the appearance of large, blue veins.
Varicose veins can be caused by genetics, aging, or factors such as:

• Weight gain
• Pregnancy
• Jobs or other activities that require prolonged standing

Treating Varicose Veins

There are a number of treatment options available for varicose veins. When considering treatment, it’s advisable to work with a doctor who is certified and has in-depth experience in diagnosing and treating vein disorders.

Simple steps such as compression garments, exercise, leg elevation, and gentle movement between periods of sitting or standing may be effective at treating some cases of varicose veins. In other cases, medical assistance from a vein specialist is necessary.

Treatment options may include:

• Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT®) – One of the most advanced treatments available today, the EVLT system uses ultrasound to precisely target pulses of energy and seal off varicose veins
• Sclerotherapy – A method in which surface veins are closed off with small injections
• Vein surgery – Generally a last resort if other treatment options don’t work, some cases of varicose veins require surgery to tie off the vein or veins

When you choose a doctor to treat varicose veins, taking time to verify that his or her practice is dedicated to treating endovascular conditions will help ensure you receive the treatment best suited to your needs.

If you live in or around Tulsa or Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and would like to learn more about diagnosing and treating varicose veins, please visit the website of the Oklahoma Vein & Endovascular Center.

About Author

If you suffer from varicose veins or spider veins, contact our vein doctor in Oklahoma City at the The Oklahoma Vein & Endovasuclar Center.

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-sara-goldstein-4751.html

What are Varicose Veins?