TIM eMagazine Vol.1 Issue 2
CAUSES OF VARICOSE VEINS AND SPIDER VEINS
Causes of varicose veins and Spider Veins can be
attributed to a number of factors these include
heredity. Occupations that involve a lot of standing,
obesity, hormonal influences of pregnancy, puberty,
and menopause, postmenopausal hormonal
replacement, history of blood clots.
Conditions that caused increase pressure in the
abdomen such as tumors, constipation, and externally
worn garments like girdles. Other reported causes
include trauma or injury to the skin, previous vein
surgery, and exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Symptoms include a sensation of heaviness and a
tendency for the leg muscles to cramp while one is
standing. The feet and legs swell at the end of the day.
Many people with varicose veins complain of pain,
described as an aching or cramping in the legs. Other
common symptoms include tiredness, restlessness,
burning, throbbing, and tingling in affected areas. Pain
from these veins is usually relieved by elevating the
legs or by wearing support hose.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR VARICOSE VEINS AND
SPIDER VEINS
There are seven major forms of treatment for varicose
veins and spider veins:
1. SUPPORT STOCKINGS. The most conservative
approach is simply to wear properly-fitting support
hose, especially when the veins cause painful or
uncomfortable symptoms. These stockings can
generally be purchased at any surgical supply store
and at some pharmacies. They come in below-theknee, above-the-knee, and pantyhose styles.
2. LIFESTYLE CHANGES. Good skin hygiene, weight
loss (if needed), and walking can help treat varicose
veins and spider veins.
3. SCLEROTHERAPY. This procedure, which has been
available since the 1930s, is another treatment option.
This procedure uses a highly concentrated saline (salt)
solution or a specially made detergent that is injected
directly into the vein, causing the vein to disappear
gradually over three to six weeks. The procedure is
simple, relatively inexpensive, and can be performed in
an outpatient setting.
4. ENDOVENOUS LASER TREATMENT is a procedure
in which a small laser fiber is inserted into the vein.
Pulses of laser light are delivered inside the vein, which
causes the vein to collapse. The procedure is done as
an outpatient under local anesthesia.
5. RADIOFREQUENCY OCCLUSION. A small
catheter is inserted into the vein. The catheter delivers
radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to
heat, collapse, and seal shut. The procedure is generally
done in an outpatient or office setting, sometimes
under local anesthesia.
6. SURGERY. Surgical techniques to treat varicose
veins include ligation (tying off of a vein) and
stripping (removal of a long segment of vein). Another
procedure, ambulatory phlebectomy, allows for the
removal of large surface veins through very small
incisions that do not need stitches. Surgery may be
performed using local, spinal, or general anesthesia.
Most patients return home the same day as the
procedure. Surgery is generally used to treat large
varicose veins.
7. LASERS AND INT ENSE PULSED LIGHT. Surface
laser or intense pulsed light treatments, such as
Vasculight and PhotoDerm, are other options.
These devices use heat energy to selectively
damage or destroy abnormal veins. An advantage
of these treatments is that no needles or sclerosing
solutions are required; however, there may be some
minor discomfort. Side effects do occur, including
discoloration or staining and blister formation. The
results are often disappointing.
Not everybody with varicose or spider veins has
pain or other symptoms. They want the veins removed,
however, for cosmetic reasons.
Medical expert still advice the best way on how does one cope up with
depression is to develop strong bonds with family members or friends
when one is away from family.
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