Varicose veins are those swollen veins that bulge and visible above one’s outer surface of the skin. These may look blue or dark purple in colour in a bit twisted form. Varicose veins are generally be found on feet or legs. Some varicose veins are visible under the skin but there are larger and deeper varicose veins exist in the skin that can’t be seen such as Haemorrhoids.
There is a common myth that only the elderly are suffered from varicose veins because when we get older, our valves and veins get older too, results in weaker and unstable veins. But the truth is entirely different. Anyone can have varicose veins irrespective of their age, gender, and medical history. Even a 15-year old kid can be suffered from this.
Whereas there are certain groups of people who are more vulnerable to varicose veins than others, and age plays a very little role in it.
Below mentioned is the list of such people who have high chances of getting varicose veins.
People above 40-years old:
It has been found in a study that more than 20 million women suffering from varicose veins lies in the bracket of 40 too 80 years old. Female hormones play a big role in it. It’s true that due to hormonal imbalance, women are prone to varicose veins, but men come in the same category as well. 11 million men ranging from 40-80 years old are suffering from varicose veins. So, one thing is clear that irrespective of the gender, anyone above 40 years can have varicose veins.
Hormone Medication:
In many cases, women are on hormone medication whether it is to take pills for birth control, or some hormone replacement therapy prescribed by their doctor for menopause symptoms. This medication or therapy can directly impact their blood circulation and induce the risk of varicose veins.
Hereditary:
If someone in your home has suffered from varicose veins, whether your parents or grandparents, it is very likely that you would have them too. The reason behind this is leaky valves are believed to be inherited from one generation to another. In such a scenario, even if you are not suffering from varicose veins at this point, you must start taking care of yourself and take prevention to stay away from it.
Overweight:
People suffering from excessive fat gain or obesity have higher chances of getting varicose veins. This is because additional weight present in your body put excessive strain on the vein walls and valves, resulting in increased chances of developing varicose veins. So, irrespective of your age and gender, if you fall into the overweight category, this is the right time to take some actions towards your health.
Vein Damage or Blood Clot History:
If you have a medical history of any vein damage either from clothing in blood or some trauma, it can increase the chances of varicose veins. Previous damages to the veins can directly harm the vein wall and turn it into varicose veins.
People with Desk-bound Job:
The leg muscles play a crucial role in keeping the blood flow upward. People with sitting jobs that require them to sit for a long time period, are prone to get varicose veins. The reason is when a person sits at the same place for a long duration, it prevents the muscles from helping veins to keep the blood flowing against gravity
Standing Job:
There are a lot of jobs that require continuous standing such as teachers, mail carriers, flight attendants, and teachers. In such jobs, people stand for a much longer time. Likewise sitting, standing for more time period than required, can put a strain on the veins, thus increases the chances of developing varicose veins.
Pregnant Women:
During pregnancy, women face a lot of changes in their body. These changes have a direct impact on veins. Though it is natural for women to go through such changes, these phases make them vulnerable to get varicose veins. In many cases, varicose veins develop during pregnancy tend to get cured once the child is born.
Varicose vein treatment
Compression Stockings: Other stockings put a lot of pressure on the veins and legs, whereas compression stockings provide consistent and gentle pressure on the veins, enabling the blood to flow smoothly and prevent it from pooling in the legs.
It is also helpful in reducing swelling caused by venous stasis when you sit or stand for long. You can easily find compression stockings in nearby pharmacy store.
Below mentioned are some of the home care for varicose veins that can help you reduce the pain as well as prevent varicose veins from happening in the first place.
There are many home-based varicose veins treatments available. Let’s have a quick look:
- Exercise – If you are having varicose veins, it means there might be an improper flow of blood in your body that causes direct pressure on the veins. Include a 30-minute workout in your daily routine with your doctor consultation. It is important to do some activity that helps your blood flow smoothly and continuously.
- Reduce Weight – As mentioned earlier, if you are obese or overweight, then it is very likely to get varicose veins. To prevent it from happening, work hard to reduce some extra pounds. Cut out sodium-rich food from your diet and include fibre-rich and healthy diet.
- Wear Loose Clothing – Avoid wearing tight or skin-fit clothing such as belts. In case it is mandatory, then wear it for short time.
- Avoid sitting cross-legged for a longer time.
- Include a daily walk in your exercise routine. It can help your muscles to force the blood out of your vein system.
- Have you faced any symptoms of varicose veins but assumed you were too young to have it. If yes, then it’s time to analyse your body and symptoms it is showing very carefully. Nowadays varicose veins is a common disease and anyone can have it. If you are facing any trouble or pain in your legs, try consulting an expert surgeon before avoiding it or taking any prevention.
Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala is one of the best vascular surgeons in Hyderabad. He is a well-known specialist for varicose veins. He has successfully treated varicose veins for more than 5,500 patients. He has been performing the EVLT procedure for the past four years with excellent results.
You can visit Flow Vascular clinic at H.No: 2-22-298/2/A, Sree Krishna Diagnostic Center Building, 2nd Floor, Beside Kalamandir, KPHB Main Road, Kukatpally, Hyderabad. You can also book an appointment on https://drabhilash.com/book-an-appointment/ or call on (+91) 99896 49498, 99590 33037.
Visit https://drabhilash.com/ to know more about the treatment options for varicose veins.