Varicose veins are those large, swollen veins that appear blue or red and often stick out from your skin. They are commonly found on the inside of your legs, the backs of your calves, or thighs. For pregnant women, they might also appear around the vagina and buttocks. You might feel a bit shy about these bulging veins seen under your skin, and it can be a cause for self-consciousness.
But what causes these varicose veins?
They are mostly due to poor blood circulation in your legs, which usually sends blood back to your heart. Men are less likely to get them because their legs have more muscle, which helps the blood flow better. Varicose veins are often a long-term issue. If you notice them once, there’s a high chance they’ll keep coming back. Pregnancy can also trigger the appearance of these veins, and even though they sometimes go away after childbirth, for many they don’t.
Some people don’t worry about how these veins look, but rather, they feel pain and discomfort due to them. If these varicose veins are causing a lot of trouble or if there’s a family history of circulatory problems, it’s a good idea to get a check-up.
Speaking of check-ups, when you visit the doctor, they’ll thoroughly examine your legs and sketch out where the varicose veins or other issues are. They’ll look for signs of more severe “deep vein” disorders especially around your ankles, which can cause swelling, ulcers, or skin abnormalities. They might suggest further assessment with a specialist if they find anything concerning.
So, what can be done to treat varicose veins?
There’s a procedure called sclerotherapy where medicine is injected straight into the veins. There’s also laser treatment which can reduce the appearance of these veins. But remember, these methods aren’t always suitable and there are less invasive alternatives out there.
In extreme cases, there’s surgical removal or ‘vein stripping’, but this should only be considered as a last resort. It involves going under anesthesia and there are several risks associated with the procedure. However, there are many other treatments with less risk, so don’t worry about having to jump straight to surgery.
Non-surgical treatments have helped many people feel better about themselves and they’re worth considering.
Finally, if you’re going in for treatment, your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare. Stick to these tips to make the whole process smoother. On treatment day, they’ll ask you to avoid applying anything like moisturisers, sunscreen, or oils on your legs. It might be a good idea to bring shorts for the injections, the compression stockings prescribed by your doctor, and trousers to wear afterwards. Keep in mind, your legs may have some bruises or colour changes for few weeks post-procedure.
Remember, varicose veins are common and treatable, so try not to stress too much about it!
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
https://www.uclahealth.org/venouscenter/varicose-veins-symptoms-diagnosis
https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/how-dermatologists-treat-leg-veins
