Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins that appear in the legs, although they can affect all superficial veins. They are usually caused by pressure buildup in the body and commonly affect the legs because of the pressure exerted on your lower body when you stand or walk. Varicose veins do not cause any discomfort and are only a cosmetic issue for many people. For others, however, this condition can lead to pain, discomfort, and other serious conditions. Read on to learn more about varicose veins and the available Tomball varicose veins treatments.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
As mentioned, varicose veins do not always result in pain or discomfort. You can usually identify them through their appearance as bulging and twisted, blue or purple veins – somewhat like cords running through your legs. In the event your varicose veins are accompanied by pain, you might experience:
- Itching sensation around one or several veins
- Muscle cramping, throbbing, swelling, or burning sensations in your lower legs
- Aches in your legs
- A heavy feeling in the legs
- Pain that worsens when you stand or sit for an extended period
- Discoloration around the veins
Spider veins share similarities with varicose veins but are smaller and often resemble a spider’s web. They also tend to be blue or red and appear on the face or legs.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins can be attributed to damages or weak valves in the blood vessels. Veins are responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood from your tissues to the heart for oxygenation and recirculation. For this to happen, the veins in your legs must pump blood upwards against gravity. If these valves are damaged, the blood will flow towards gravity and pool in your veins, leading to varicose veins.
Preventing Varicose Veins
Generally, you cannot prevent varicose veins if the problem stems from weak vein valves. However, you can reduce your risk of developing them by improving your blood circulation. You can do this by taking the following measures:
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a low-salt, high-fiber diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Wearing loose, comfortable clothes and avoiding tight pants or stockings and high heels
- Elevating your legs in the evening
- Shifting your standing or sitting position regularly
Varicose Veins Treatment Options
The team at Northwest Houston Heart Center provides diagnosis and treatment services for vein diseases like varicose veins. When you visit the center, your doctor will perform an ultrasound to assess your varicose veins and devise a treatment regimen according to your symptoms and the size of the veins. Common treatment options include:
- Compression socks
- Sclerotherapy
- Endovenous ablation
Conclusion
Varicose veins are not just unattractive – sometimes, they can affect your quality of life, leave you in pain, and result in more serious complications. Roy Norman, DO, and A. Adnan Aslam, MD, FACC, FSCAI, are experienced cardiologists that offer several treatments to treat and eliminate varicose veins. If you have developed this problem, schedule a consultation online or call one of their Tomball, Texas offices.
