Varicose Veins: Can They Be Fully Treated?

At least 20 million Americans have varicose veins, according to the American Society for Vascular Surgery. In most industrialized countries, 30% of women and 10% of men seek consultation for various signs and symptoms of varicose veins. But the question is, can varicose veins be fully treated?

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are the twisted often swollen veins that are visible just under the skin’s surface. While they can occur in different parts of the body, varicose veins are mostly found on the legs. There are several factors that contribute to varicose veins including obesity, heredity and prolonged sitting or standing. While varicose veins are a common condition, they can progress to more serious complications such as leg ulcerations, skin pigmentation, dermatitis or chronic edema if proper medical procedures like varicose vein removal in Riverside are not performed immediately.

What are the Risk Factors for Varicose Veins?

There are several factors that can increase your risk of getting varicose veins. For instance, more than half of those who develop the condition have family members with varicose veins. Age also contributes to varicose veins because of poor circulation. Pregnant women are also more likely to get varicose veins because of the extra pressure put on the lower extremities due to the growing fetus. In some cases, leg trauma that leads to blood clots can also result in varicose veins.

Can Varicose Veins be Fully Treated?

The good news is, varicose veins can be treated. Several medical procedures including varicose vein removal in Riverside are already available to address the medical condition before it gets worse. The goal of varicose vein treatment is to improve the appearance of the affected part, relieve symptoms and prevent further complications.

You can also follow some simple steps to make sure that your condition doesn’t get worse. If you’re overweight, for instance, you can exercise to get rid of the excess weight and improve blood flow not only on your lower extremities but the rest of your body. Regular exercise can also improve muscle tone, which is why it pays to sweat it out every now and then. It’s also very important to take breaks whenever you’re sitting or standing for a long period of time.

After a busy day’s work, elevate your legs above the level of your heart to aid circulation on your lower extremities. Of course, it’s very important to have yourself checked from the moment you see signs of varicose veins so you will know if you need varicose vein removal in Riverside or other types of treatment.

Finally, nothing beats committing to a lifestyle change to make sure you’re healthier and that your varicose veins don’t get worse. Aside from keeping your weight in control through proper exercise, make sure you eat healthily and avoid activities that can aggravate your condition. Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time and invest in compression stockings to make sure that blood doesn’t pool on your lower extremities. While varicose veins can affect you physically and even emotionally, you don’t have to worry since there are a lot of ways to address it before complications occur.

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all vascular health issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.