Varicose Veins

You may think that varicose veins are simply an unsightly fact of life that come with the onset of middle age. The happy news is that less-invasive, state-of-the-art techniques now reduce scarring and give you legs you'll gladly show off gain.

What is happening

Varicose veins aren't exactly shy. These bluish, ropelike veins sit just under the surface of the skin, usually on the back of your calves or on the side of your thighs. Their protruding presence is not only unsightly, it can also be uncomfortable, causing aching or throbbing, or a heavy feeling in your legs. In advanced cases, your skin can itch and become dis-coloured, and ulcers may form over a bulging vein. Also bothersome are spider veins, little webby star-bursts of blue and red that often appear around your knees and ankles, but can also show up on your face. While spider veins, medically known as telangiectasia, are usually only a cosmetic problem, sometimes they too can make your legs ache.
   Varicose veins are the result of a malfunction in your circulatory system. After your blood has been pumped out to your extremities, it travels against gravity back to your heart, pushed along in rhythmic bursts by tiny valves inside the veins that open and close. When these valves malfunction or wear out, the blood flows backwards or pools in the veins, causing varicose veins (see below).
 
LIKELY FIRST STEPS

• Compression stockings to help the blood flow's fight against gravity.
• Elevating the legs to improve blood flow back to the heart. Exercise and weight control also promote good blood flow.
• Herbal and nutritional supplements to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Surgical procedures to remove or collapse 'problem' veins.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

• Why do you think the technique you're recommending is the best therapy for my varicose veins?
• Can you help convince my health insurance company that this is not a cosmetic procedure, but a medical necessity?
• What kind of scarring can I expect from this procedure?
• What is the likelihood that my varicose veins will recur or new ones will appear?

Most frequently varicose veins shows up on your legs, but they can also appear on your feet. They eventually afflict about 50 percent of women, but about 10 to 15 percent of men get them too. Aggravating factors include obesity, pregnancy, long-term heavy lifting
and jobs that require you to spend a lot of time on your feet, such as nursing or sales work. People of Irish and German ancestry have a greater risk of malfunctioning valves, as do those who have a family history of varicose veins. And ageing is definitely a factor, because the skin's
connective tissue becomes less elastic as you get older. Spider veins can also be kick-started by hormonal surges, which are caused by puberty, pregnancy and hormone replacement therapy.

Treatments

If you have varicose veins, consult your doctor about the best treatment, and don't delay: Many people can keep varicose veins from causing problems by making lifestyle changes, such as wearing compression stockings, exercising and taking certain nutrients and herbs. But if your varicose veins are painful or if you're sick of always covering up your legs, there are a number of surgical techniques that can help you, including a new procedure using radiowaves. For spider veins, lasers are producing good cosmetic results.

                                                                     Treatment Options  

LIFESTYLE CHANGES---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compression stockings                                            Support proper functioning of leg veins.
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Exercise                                                                       Builds calf muscles and aids blood flow.
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Don't stand too long                                                  Standing contributes to varicose veins.

PROCEDURES
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Vein stripping                                                             Surgically removes large veins.
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Radiofrequency closure                                            Shrinks large veins.
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Sclerotherapy and lasers                                           Treat spider veins.  NATURAL METHODS
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Vitamins & herbs                                                         Promote good vascular health.


TAKING CONTROL

• Beware of female hormones. The oestrogen in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can contribute to varicose and spider veins. If you're taking either of these, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
• Use a cover-up. Sometimes varicose veins are difficult to eradicate. If you can't get your limbs to look the way you'd like, try leg make-up or a self-tanning product.
• Pick a trustworthy practitioner. Lasering and using other techniques to eradicate veins can be tricky. Make sure your doctor has a good track record and is experienced in treating veins of your type.
• Raise the foot of your bed about 10 cm so you can sleep with your feet higher than your head. You can do this by placing blocks under the end of the bed. This helps blood flow back to your heart.

Lifestyle changes 

You may be able to keep your varicose veins under control and reduce the risk of getting additional veins by adopting some lifestyle measures. The following strategies are often quite helpful.

• Wear compression stockings to help nudge the blood back up to your heart. These knee-high stockings come in a range of sizes and need to be fitted to the shape of your legs. You can get them at medical supply stores, or your doctor can prescribe them. Don't worry that they're fashion gone bad; today they come in a variety of styles and colours. You may also benefit by having your doctor prescribe Velcro-closing elastic hands designed to go over the specific areas of the leg that cause your problems.
• Elevate your legs. above your hips several times a day: keep them there for 10 to 20 minutes. Try not to cross your legs when you sit.
• Avoid constriction. Toss out any gridles and other tight, binding garments (such as too-snug belts and too-tight shoes) that put undue pressure on veins anywhere in your body.