Understanding Varicose Veins
A vein is a blood vessel that carries blood throughout the body.Normally, these veins do their job like a well oiled pump butsometimes these veins break down, causing the flow of blood tobecome abnormal.I am sure most of us have, or know so...
...meone who has the enlarged,twisted, superficial veins in their lower legs and ankles knownas varicose veins.Varicose veins can occur in any part of the body but are morecommon in the lower extremities.These veins can be due to genetic default but this is not theonly cause. Other contributing factors can be prolonged standingor pregnancy. For many women, the first signs of varicose veinsappear during pregnancy. Obesity is also a contributing factor.The added pressure of supporting excess weight is almost certainto result in chronic venous breakdown.The signs and symptoms of varicose veins not only includes theunsightly rope-like veins but also a constant dull ache, cramps,swelling and fatigue after standing.There may also be a brownish discolouration of the skin which isknown as stasis pigmentation. This is caused by a breakdown ofblood cells leading to a leakage in the affected area and iscommon in people who have suffered from this condition for alengthy period of time.Usually diagnosis is simply a case of visual observation butsometimes a procedure called phlebography is used. This is apainless procedure in which a solution called a radio-opaquecontrast medium is introduced into the bloodstream. Imaging ofthe veins is then carried out to detect the abnormalities in theblood flow and venous pressure. Another diagnostic procedure available is the use of ultrasoundto examine the blood flow in the major arteries and veins in thearms and legs. This procedure is known as Doppler'sultrasonography. Ultrasound is high frequency sound waves thatecho off the body. It is performed by applying a water solublegel to the body and then passing a hand held device known as atransducer over the area.Treatment of varicose veins an be as simple as wearingelasticised compression stockings, controlling your weight,undertaking a moderate exercise program, avoiding prolongedperiods of standing, and elevating the legs whenever possible.Another method of treatment is called compression sclerotherapy.In this procedure, points of abnormal flow from deep tosuperficial veins are located and permanently obliterated by theinjection of a substance called a sclerosant. Application ofcontinuous pressure then restores the pumping capacity of thevein.In severe cases, a surgical procedure called stripping andligation may be considered necessary. During this surgery, oneor more incisions are made over the varicose veins, and the veinis tied off (ligated). If several valves in the vein and thevein itself are heavily damaged, the vein (or the diseased partof the vein) is usually removed (stripped). An incision is madebelow the varicose vein, a flexible instrument is threaded upthe vein to the first incision, and the vein is grasped andremoved.If you have varicose veins, it is necessary to seek medicaladvice. Your health practitioner will advise you of treatmentoptions and will assist you in the care of your condition.
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