Varicose veins are a condition that often occurs as one ages, although it can also happen in younger people. The basic definition of varicose veins is veins that have become enlarged and often painful. They are usually noticeable, as they stick out from underneath the skin and mostly afflict the area of the legs, especially the lower half. The legs are not the only affected area, though. The arms are not immune from this condition.
Varicose veins occur because of a malfunction in the vein itself. The muscles in the legs pump these veins to return blood to the heart, basically acting against gravity. The condition known as varicose veins occurs when the little valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing backwards no longer work properly, thus allowing the blood to flow backwards and enlarge the vein even more. For reasons that are not clear, the veins that are most affected by this condition are usually near the surface, close to the skin and therefore the most noticeable. Unfortunately, this area is also the one part of the leg that is most subject to high pressure when standing, which is why walking or standing with varicose veins often be quite painful. To make matters worse, varicose veins can often itch, and the unfortunate reality is that scratching them only makes the matter worse, even potentially causing ulcers. Varicose veins are often referred to in the medical field as varicosites, and represent enlarged branches of what is medically referred to as the saphenous venous system. Varicosites are therefore not an indication of a disease, but are a symptom of insufficient blood flow. This condition can lead to not only swelling and pain, but also a feeling of heaviness and tiredness, including muscle cramps, causing difficulty in walking and standing. Although not fairly dangerous to one's overall health, varicose veins can, under special conditions, lead to more serious conditions such as blood clotting, phylebitis, which is a form of inflammation, or thrombosis, which is a form of clotting in the blood circulatory system.
There are several conditions and situations that can lead to varicose veins besides aging. One of these situations is as the result of an accident, where blunt force trauma can create the condition that leads to the creation of varicosites. Other everyday occurrences, especially prolonged standing, which can be found in many occupations such as teaching, working in a factory and even law enforcement, can lead to this condition.
There are various options when considering a varicose vein treatment, and it boils down to a choice between a surgical solution and a nonsurgical solution. For a nonsurgical solution, there are special elastic stockings that are available, as well as various massage therapies, involving elevating the legs and exercise to restore circulation. Surgical options involve removing the affected veins, although new techniques that are less invasive and which involve sealing off the main leaking vein are becoming quite popular. Typically, as the affected areas carry only 10% of the blood in that part of the body, removing the veins themselves does not lead to any further complications.
If you are in pain or suffering discomfort and need additional information about the right varicose vein treatment, be sure to consult with the experts at Kass Clinics. They have vast experience in dealing with this problem, and can advise you on a wide variety of solutions. Be sure to visit them at http://www.kassclinics.com/varicose.
