Contrary to popular belief, spider veins and varicosities are not merely a cosmetic problem. Such visible alterations in the appearance of our legs are signs that there may be changes taking place that are more than just skin deep. Your veins may be at risk for disease.
If left unattended, seemingly harmless spider veins and varicose veins can develop into a more serious condition known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). In simple terms, varicose veins and venous insufficiency are the result of valves inside the leg veins being defective or no longer functioning at all.
Consequently, blood is no longer efficiently pushed back up through the leg veins and begins to pool in the affected veins. In combination with the pull of gravity, this causes the veins to stretch and bulge more and more over time. As the veins become weaker they can also allow fluid to leak out into the surrounding tissue which can manifest itself with increased swelling of the legs and feet as you go about your day.
As with many illnesses, there are warning signs that should not be ignored. Unfortunately on a yearly basis only about 2 out of 30 Americans (approx. 6.5%) suffering with varicose veins actually seek treatment for this potentially serious condition.
If any of these symptoms persist you should make an appointment to see your physician. Remember, venous insufficiency is a progressive condition. Therefore, early detection and treatment is your best line of defense against developing more serious vein problems.
Compression and support stockings are often the first step to control less severe symptoms. They are non-invasive therapy that can keep venous problems from progressing into more serious stages of venous disease. Graduated compression stockings, pantyhose or socks are specifically designed to optimize blood flow back up the legs and to prevent any pooling of blood in the legs.
Compression stockings won’t provide a cure but they can be a great help in managing the above described symptoms. Support and compression hosiery can only be effective if they are worn every day. They must be put on immediately before getting up and should be removed before going to sleep.
Changes in Daily Living can also be Helpful with Vein Issues
Anyone can be mindful to keep an eye on their blood pressure and body weight. Physical activity can be beneficial for veins and legs because it strengthens the muscles – in particular calf muscles, which assist in pumping blood back up the legs to the heart.
As always, before making any changes that could affect your health and well-being, be sure to schedule a visit with your health care provider first.
If you liked this post please let us know by clicking the Facebook like button or the G+1 button below. We also appreciate any comments and personal experiences you have to contribute.
Although lipedema is a disease that has been identified as such for about ¾ of…
Your alarm goes off, you think you are ready to start your day and the…
The controversy around the usefulness of compression stockings during athletic running performance continues. A recent…
One of the major challenges with employing compression therapy is to create a balance between…
Diabetes Patients May Soon be Able to Benefit from Hi-Tech Socks and Stockings Over time, the…
According to recently published information from the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) the latest…
View Comments
Strong blog. I read lots of great information.
I truly appreciate this blog. Thanks Again. Really Cool.
You get an A+ from me on this article. I’m sure you aren’t
looking for approval, in spite of this you
have really made this content very interesting.
It was a great pleasure to read your posts. I will definitely be coming back here.
Some extremely valid points! ... and the site is really good in general.
This was a lovely article to read.
Straight to the point, I love it. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers
I really liked your blog article. Much obliged.
thanks for sharing