Venous disease and varicose veins
You may have come across several diseases and infections, but have you ever heard of venous disease? Vein disease occurs when the walls of the veins get damaged and pose problems in the way of the circulatory system. The function of the vein is to carry blood back to the heart. They're akin to the arteries but not as thick. In addition, they have valves that make sure that the blood only travels one way. One of the most common symptoms of venous disease is varicose veins that occur mostly in the lower legs.
What are varicose veins?
The Mayo Clinic describes varicose veins as 'twisted, enlarged veins' that is very close to the skin's surface, but can get swollen and lengthened. These along with spider veins, which are similar to varicose veins are said to be 'cosmetic concerns,' as per the health body. While in most cases, these aren't life-threatening, they can cause aching pain and discomfort.
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The primary cause of varicose veins
According to WebMD, "Sitting for too long [means] blood can pool in your legs."
“This puts added pressure in your veins which could swell, twist, or bulge.
“You may also see spider veins, bundles of broken blood vessels nearby," the health site adds.
Other common causes to note
A lot of other factors can cause varicose veins. These include:
- Age i.e. being aged 50 or above
- Sex
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Family history
- Obesity
Can varicose veins cause complications?
While varicose veins are not considered a serious medical condition, they can cause complications if accompanied by severe, continuous pain and swelling. Although rare, the Mayo Clinic shares that ulcers that form on the skin near varicose veins, blood clots and bleeding can be serious complications associated with varicose veins.
"Occasionally, veins close to the skin burst. Although this usually causes only minor bleeding, it requires medical attention," explains the health body.
How to manage pain?
In case you develop varicose veins that are painful, then the best way to manage the pain and the swelling is through self-care. Exercise, raising the legs when sitting or lying down, or wearing compression stockings are some effective ways to reduce pain of varicose veins and to prevent it.
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