Varicose veins are common, and you might have a bit of an idea of what they are. You might have some bulging veins on your skin that appear blue, and you do not want them there. They are displeasing even though they might not be painful. The good news is that you can get effective treatment options from varicose veins specialists like Dr. Atur Kasha in El Paso. Besides the basic understanding of varicose veins, here is more information to enlighten you.
Varicose Veins Causes
The main reason why your veins bulge is due to blood pooling in your veins. This happens when certain factors weaken or damage your veins, and since the veins work against gravity, it becomes difficult to carry blood to the heart. Age, obesity, hormones, genes, and a sedentary lifestyle are some of the main factors that increase your chances of developing varicose veins. They all could lead to damage in your veins or weaken them, interfering with circulation.
Varicose Veins are Different from Spider Veins
Many people mistake spider veins for varicose veins. But you have to understand that your veins are not created the same, and there is a clear difference between the two. The spider veins are usually small, red, or purple veins on your skin and appear to be flatter. The varicose veins are mainly blue, bulging veins in your legs and larger. Both veins are common and are caused by the same factors, but the treatments also vary. Varicose veins will require stronger treatments than spider veins due to their larger size.
The Veins Can be Elsewhere Besides Your Legs
It is true that varicose veins commonly develop in the legs, but that is not the only place you can find them. In the legs, the veins are common due to the gravity factor, but you can also develop bulged veins on your face or neck when your veins in the areas are damaged or weakened. Therefore, be watchful for the veins in other parts of your body other than your legs.
Your Lifestyle Highly Affects Varicose Veins
Living a sedentary lifestyle is one of the main risk factors for varicose veins. This means that you can manage your condition by making healthy lifestyle choices if it is the only factor at play for your situation. But if genetics and aging contribute to your bulged veins, you will need to combine lifestyle changes with other treatments. You can look forward to maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding high heels, avoiding standing or sitting for too long, exercising regularly, and staying away from tight clothing.
Varicose Veins May Be or Not Be Painful
Besides the displeasing appearance of varicose veins, you can experience pain due to the pain. However, this does not always occur. But when your veins are painful, you might also have to deal with fatigue, swelling, burning, itching, numbness, restless legs, heaviness, and aching. Remember to contact your doctor anytime your veins are aching and note when they feel tender or swelling. You do not want to ignore such symptoms since they can lead to difficult issues like clotting.
The Desert West Vein & Surgery Center is ready to help if varicose veins bother you. Your doctor will diagnose your condition, understand the cause and recommend the best treatment based on your unique needs. You can also equip yourself with relevant questions about varicose veins if you are still curious about the condition.
