What Are Varicose Veins?

ari — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:49:14 +0000

Varicose Veins are a common form of vein reflux disease that approximately 40% of all women and 18% of all men will suffer from at some point in their lives. The word “Varicose” which means swollen is derived from the Latin term “varix” meaning twisted, and is used because Varicose Veins are typically stretched and enlarged and take on a bulging blue color.
Varicose Veins most commonly occur as a result of a reflux of the greater Saphenous vein, which is a major vessel in the superficial venous system as it spans from the groin all the way down to the ankles. Veins, similar to arteries are functional blood vessels. While the arteries carry blood from the heart to the body, veins have the task of carrying the blood back to the heart. Varicose Vein Problems happen when one-way valves that normally help blood flow to the heart malfunction and blood begins to flow backwards, causing a backup of blood and stretching of veins walls.

Varicose veins can be both painful and unattractive, but luckily there are many great options when it comes to Varicose Vein Removal and prevention such as Sclerotherapy, or Endovenous Laser Treatment, both of which have been shown to either greatly reduce, or completely eliminate any signs of the Varicose Veins.

Varicose Vein Prevention

admin — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:06:49 +0000

Although Varicose Veins most commonly occur as a result of inherited weakness of valves in a persons veins, factors such as age, obesity, or hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can all play a role in the development of Vein Disease. There are several preventative measures one can take to avoid the appearance of Varicose Veins, most of which require very little effort, and are well worth a try for any person with a shared family history of Varicose Vein problems.

Here are 8 steps that are sure to help with Varicose Vein Prevention.

• Exercise as much as possible. Walking, running, or swimming regularly will help you maintain good blood circulation and keep your blood vessels operating smoothly.

• Consume foods that are high in fiber, and avoid foods that are high in sodium.

• Avoid leaving your legs crossed or in a bent position for an extended period of time. If your work entails long periods of standing or sitting down, take a short break every hour to stretch your legs and rotate your ankles to get your blood flowing.

• Try not to wear clothes that are so tight they restrict the blood flow anywhere below your waist. Items such as girdles and stockings can sometimes have a negative effect on blood circulation and lead to serious Varicose Vein Problems.

• Raise your legs above the level of your heart while sleeping by placing them on top of a pillow.

• Herbs such as Horse Chestnut and Butcher’s Broom have been shown to reduce swelling and improve blood circulation.

• Taking the daily recommended dosage of Vitamin E has also been shown to help blood circulation as well as provide protection for blood vessels from damage.

• Quit smoking.