Have you ever noticed blue or purple bulging veins in your legs? It is a health condition that causes these veins to pulsate in this way. It is called varicose veins.
Varicose veins are swollen veins that supply blood to the heart. The walls of these veins are weakened and their valves are not working properly. Because of this, the blood that should go to the heart gets deposited somewhere in the veins. This problem usually occurs in the lower part of the body. This is the reason why blue and purple veins appear on the legs and ankles.
Two types of blood vessels—arteries and veins—serve to move blood throughout our body. Arteries carry blood from the heart to all parts of the body, while veins carry blood from other organs back to the heart.
Varicose veins can cause black spots on the legs. There may be wounds, they may cause bleeding problems. It can also cause pain and swelling.
So, today' Health waterIn ' we will talk about varicose veins. You will also learn that-
- What is the difference between permanent varicose veins and spider veins?
- What are the dangers of varicose veins?
- What are its symptoms and causes?
- What is its treatment?
40 to 60% of women suffer from varicose veins. According to a study published in the science journal 'Springer Link', 40% to 60% of women worldwide suffer from varicose veins. While approximately 15% to 30% of men are affected by this condition.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins? The most common symptom of varicose veins is swelling. In this condition, leg muscles feel weak. What are its other features, see the graphic below.
Let's understand the features given in the graphic in detail.
Varicose Veins: Veins tend to be more twisted, swollen and rope-like than their natural form. These veins are often blue or purple in color. These abnormal growths are visible just below the surface of the skin on our feet and legs. This problem often develops in several groups of nerves. In this, small, red or blue lines (spider veins) may appear around.
Heaviness in legs: Because of this, our leg muscles can feel tired, heavy or sluggish. This feeling is especially felt after any kind of physical activity.
Itching: The skin around varicose veins can itch. This is due to the accumulation of blood.
Pain: Varicose veins can cause leg pain. Especially the pain is more behind the knee. This can also lead to muscle spasms.
Swelling: This can cause swelling in the feet, ankles and toes and a throbbing sensation.
Skin discoloration and ulcers: If not treated properly, varicose veins can cause our skin to turn brown or black. Severe varicose veins can cause ulcers (sores) on our skin. Bleeding problems can occur from these wounds.
Who is at higher risk of varicose veins?
Varicose veins can develop in anyone's body. However, certain factors increase the chance of developing varicose veins. See graphic:
Now let us understand these points of graphic in detail.
Age: As we age, many parts of our body begin to weaken. They are no longer as diligent in their work as before. Due to aging, vein walls and valves do not work as well as before. Veins lose their elasticity and harden. This causes the problem of varicose veins.
Family history: We inherit many things from our family and ancestors. Apart from land, property and all luxuries there may be some diseases. Varicose veins can also be inherited.
Lifestyle: Sedentary lifestyle is responsible for many dangerous diseases. People who stand or sit in one place for a long time have reduced blood circulation in their body. Hence the risk of varicose veins condition increases. Wearing too tight clothes can also cause this problem.
Overall Health: Certain health conditions can also cause varicose veins. Severe constipation and some tumors can increase the pressure in the veins. We should be careful about this.
Tobacco use: People who use tobacco products (cane, cigarettes) are more likely to develop varicose veins than others.
Overweight: Being overweight can lead to many health problems. In fact, being overweight puts pressure on the blood vessels, which can lead to the condition of varicose veins.
What is the difference between varicose veins and spider veins?
Varicose veins and spider veins are almost the same diseases, but they look different. Spider veins are smaller and thinner than varicose veins. They look like red or blue spider webs or tree branches and are very close to the surface of the skin.
Spider veins usually do not cause pain. This can appear anywhere on our body. This often appears behind our knees, on our feet or on our face.
What is the treatment for varicose veins?
- There is no cure for varicose veins. However, with the help of some treatments, it helps to reduce the condition.
- For this, the veins are given elevation, so that their pressure is released and blood can flow.
- For this, elastic stockings therapy is given. This condition can be normalized by reducing the width of the veins.
- For this, the help of injection therapy and laser therapy can also be taken.
- People also opt for vein surgery when the problem becomes more severe.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
