The Real Danger Of Ignoring Varicose Veins

By Stella Gay


It is a condition that most every woman will face within her lifetime, though it is rarely spoken of in the media, or even medical circles. For women who develop them, they are an embarrassing eyesore which can result in some women avoiding any clothing which would reveal the legs. From Austin, TX to Ontario, Canada, women have learned to endure their varicose veins in silence.

This condition is sometimes called a spider vein, and occurs when there is pressure to the lower body preventing blood from traveling back up to the heart. The blood pools in the vein causing it to enlarge and turn blue. For this reason, most of these varicosities are located in the legs and feet, often advancing to the stage of being an eyesore that results in a negative body image.

Self-care procedures can include elevating the feet or wearing compression hose in order to ease the pain one might experience. Often women will suffer aching and throbbing in the legs, or itching near the site of a spider vein. The condition can be quite painful for some women, but women will never speak to a doctor about treatment options. Women are sometimes under the impression that it is something they have to live with, and sometimes they even believe they brought this condition onto themselves through inadequate exercise.

An advanced form of this condition known as venous insufficiency can occur in some individuals. For these unfortunate souls, a surgical alternative may be required and should be sought sooner rather than later. If caught early the surgery can be done through non-invasive laser technology.

Hormonal changes which might occur with aging or pregnancy contribute generally minor varicosities in her venous system. As the vein loses elasticity, it becomes less successful at carrying blood to the heart, against the flow of gravity. As blood pools in the vein, it becomes enlarged, and the blood may spider out into other smaller vessels around it. Pregnancy varicosities generally improve on their own after the child is born.

This primarily impacts women, although men do suffer in this way too. Age and hormonal changes play a definite factor, but working jobs which require total standing in one place or sitting for hours can be a culprit as well. The blue rope-like vein is regarded as an eyesore on the legs of women in a society which places beauty at the top of her value, expecting her to be perfect and unmarred by time.

Women often believe that being on their feet promotes a more healthy lifestyle, and they would be correct most of the time. However, if there is not enough movement going on, she is contributing to the pressure on her lower body. This is a tough reality for women who push themselves to lead an active life with hopes of keeping their bodies unmarred while approaching life changes such as parenthood or middle age.

Fortunately, treatment such as properly fitting compression stockings, frequent movement and change of sitting or standing position, as well as developing muscle tone in the legs through exercise can all help to promote circulation. The herb called horse chestnut seed extract is known to aid in circulation, and can improve the appearance of varicosities. For women with serious venous insufficiency, treatment with lasers or even the old-fashioned sclerotherapy can be utilized as corrective measures.




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