Varicose veins are common among people over the age of 50. The condition is more common among women than in men. For some people, St. Louis varicose veins might result in cosmetic problems and circulatory concerns in others. You can spot it easily on the legs and feet, usually accompanied by dark purple color on the skin. According to Dr. Goke Akinwande, several facts are associated with the condition.
What causes varicose veins
Research has proven that obesity, old age, genetic imbalance, and hormonal disorder may lead to the formation of varicose veins. The main function of veins is to pump blood to your heart. As we age, the veins become less elastic and may fail to perform their function conveniently. This is mainly due to the valves failing to close and open as previously intended. This results in the retention of blood in your legs and feet.
Pregnancy is another common cause of the condition. During pregnancy, the volume of blood increases, thus leading to the overworking of the veins. This problem gets better within three months after delivery. However, some women may not recover from this and find themselves with varicose veins in their legs and feet.
Are varicose veins the same as spider veins?
In most cases, people confuse varicose veins and spider veins. Spider veins are usually associated with a reddish color. The skin tends to be less swollen and flatter. On the other hand, varicose veins exhibit a blue color and are much bigger than spider veins. Both are common, but the most prevalent one is spider veins. Due to the size of varicose veins, they require a much more intensive treatment process than spider veins.
Varicose veins can appear on other parts of your body
It is common to spot varicose veins behind your knees or on your feet; however, the condition is not limited to the two specific body parts. The main reason they appear on legs and feet is due to gravity. The veins cannot pump blood to the upper part of your body and thus are forced down to the lower section of the body. However, you can easily spot varicose veins on the face or neck if weakened veins are around the body.
You can easily keep varicose veins away from these body parts by practicing a healthy lifestyle. Some of these include:
- Checking on your weight regularly
- Exercising and stretching your body
- Avoiding spending much time in one position
- Ladies are advised to minimize wearing heels
- Not wearing tight clothes around the lower section of your body
Different patients tend to have their own unique experiences when it comes to varicose veins. People who feel any level of pain tend to have symptoms such as massive swelling, fatigue, numbness, and aching. Note that most patients who suffer from varicose veins tend to have more than one of them.
If you spot any sign of varicose veins, feel free to contact the Midwest Institute for Non-surgical therapy for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
