What You Need To Know About Varicose Veins

Veins have the job of carrying blood from different parts of the body back to the heart. Veins push blood towards the heart and have valves in them to prevent the blood from going backwards or from pooling.

It is common to encounter varicose veins of the vagina or anus during pregnancy due to the pressure the expanding abdomen puts on the lower body. Overweight people are prone to varicose veins. People who stand or sit for long periods of time are also at risk for varicose veins.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are swollen veins that are raised above the surface and visible. They look like dark blue or red or purple cords that are twisted and bulging. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common to appear anywhere from the groin to the ankles. They can be around the anus in the form of hemorrhoids that have become engorged.

Who gets varicose veins?

Women tend to have varicose vein issues more than men do. Up to 41% of all women will suffer some kind of leg vein abnormality by the time they reach age 50. More than half of all men and women will experience varicose veins. This is why it is so important to understand what you can about varicose veins. The more you know the more you can do to help reduce your risk for varicose veins.

The 3 biggest factors concerning varicose vein development are: heredity (born with the gene for having weak veins), hormones (during pregnancy or puberty or during menopause), being overweight.

Why on the legs?

The reason varicose veins appear most often on the legs than any other body part is because the legs bear the weight of the body, have to fight gravity to bring the blood up to the heart and have the task of bringing blood all the way up from the lowest parts of the body up to the heart.

Prevention

There are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting varicose veins. You can maintain a healthy weight. You can exercise your legs to strengthen them. You can eat properly so you can maintain an ideal weight for your body frame. You can wear loose clothing and also wear support hose.

Preventing Varicose Veins:

Exercising your legs by walking or running helps to strengthen the legs, veins and improves circulation.

Keep your weight in the ideal range for your height, sex and age.

Avoid crossing your legs while sitting and elevate them while resting.

Do not wear tight clothing, especially around your waist, groin or leg areas.

Wear elastic support stockings fi possible.

Include fiber foods in your diets and reduce your salt intake as too much sodium can cause you to retain water.

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