Varicose veins are a very common affection that manifests in the form of enlarged veins in the legs and the feet. Here are a few important things to know about the issue:
- The causes of varicose veins – the problem is usually caused by a damage sustained by the small valves inside the veins. The valves are responsible for letting blood flow through the veins – when they stop working properly, the blood might start to flow backward and to collect inside the vein, forcing the vein to enlarge;
- Risk factors – gender, heredity and factors related to general health can all increase the risk of getting varicose veins. Being female, having close relatives who are or were suffering from varicose veins, being overweight as well as aging can increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins. People who spend a long time standing on their feet or walking, such as waiters and cooks, are also at a higher risk of getting varicose veins;
- Treatment – in mild cases, varicose veins can be efficiently treated with compression stockings, special exercise and elevating the feet to allow them to rest. More severe cases, that cause discomfort or pain, might require surgery to remove the affected veins or other techniques to seal or to close the affected veins, such as endothermal ablation or sclerotherapy. Get the help you need with https://eccomedical.com/.