Thursday, December 4, 2008

Treating and Preventing Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are twisted and enlarged veins that commonly occur in the lower legs. This terms is oftentimes associated to the veins seen on the leg, but varicose veins occur in various parts of the body.

Varicose veins are most of the time painful, most especially when walking or just merely standing. Aside from the fact that varicose vein is considered one of the most unwanted cosmetic problems, this often itch and scratching it can even cause ulcers.

Today, varicose vein is now treatable since serious complications are rare in this kind of condition. Non-surgical and pain relief treatments include elastic stockings, sclerotherapy, exercise, as well as by elevating the legs. The traditional surgical treatment for varicose veins is called the vein stripping, wherein it involves the removal of the affected veins. On the other hand, less invasive and newer treatments like endovenous laser treatment and radiofrequency ablation are now replacing the said traditional treatment for varicose veins.

Moreover, there are a number of factors involved in the development or occurrence of varicose veins. These factors include gender, hereditary, age, as well as pregnancy. Although most people, particularly the women, prefer to have their varicose vein outbreak treated immediately by a specialized doctor, those who cannot afford costly treatments make do of natural and non-costly methods to treat and prevent the said condition.

Below are some of the recommended lifestyle changes that can best prevent and treat varicose veins:

1.Practice having a good posture.

Always standing up straight can lead to a good posture. This can also lessen the pressure on the veins.

2.Maintain a healthy and ideal body weight.

If one is overweight, it causes the circulatory system to function harder, thus, increasing the inside pressure in the leg veins.

3.Exercise regularly.

Simple exercise routines such as cycling, swimming, walking, and jogging are enough to improve the overall circulation of the body without adding pressure to the veins.

4.Avoid standing for a long time.

Standing for a long period of time can lead to the development of varicose veins. Wearing mild compression hose is recommended to women who have jobs that require them to stand for a long period of time. This hose will help blood pump efficiently back to the heart.

5.Choose your clothing well.

Wearing clothes that do not constrict the legs, waist, and groin is a must in preventing varicose veins in the legs.

6.Stretch your legs when sitting for a long time.

To prevent developing varicose veins, stretching the legs is a must if one is to sit for a long period of time.

7.Avoid taking birth control pills containing high estrogen.

As for women who want to prevent varicose veins, most doctors prohibit them to take birth control pills that contain high level of estrogen. High-level estrogen can lessen the valves ability to close.

8.Raise the legs for a couple of minutes when lying down.

When lying down, women should raise their legs a few inches above their heart for a couple of minutes. This way, the blood in the lower legs will flow easily back to the heart and lessen the work of the valves.




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Rcon Franchesca V. Pascua is a web content writer and researcher who specializes in health and fitness topics. She enjoys reading health-related features and articles and sharing what she learns by providing tips and guidelines on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

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