Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, painful veins that have filled with an abnormal collection of blood. Varicose veins can form anywhere in the body, but they are most often located in the legs. In the United States alone, about 19% of men and 36% of women have varicose veins. Varicose veins are distinguished from reticular veins (blue veins) and telangiectasias (spider veins) which also involve valvular insufficiency,[3] by the size and location of the veins. Most varicose veins are relatively benign, but severe varicosities can lead to major complications, due to the poor circulation through the affected limb. Development of carcinoma or sarcoma in longstanding venous ulcers. Varicose veins are more common in women than in men.

High blood pressure inside your superficial leg veins causes varicose veins. Other related factors are pregnancy, obesity, menopause, aging, eg injury and abdominal straining. Varicose veins are bulging veins that are larger than spider veins, typically 3 mm or more in diameter. Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins. Varicose veins usually affect people between the ages of 30 and 70. Pregnant women have an increased risk of developing varicose veins. Varicose veins may sometimes worsen without treatment. Treatment may be requested to improve the appearance. Exercising, losing weight, elevating your legs when resting and not crossing them when sitting can help keep varicose veins from getting worse. Wearing loose clothing and avoiding long periods of standing can also help.

Treatment may be requested to improve the appearance. Surgery such as vein stripping and ligation , or sclerotherapy of veins may be recommended. Vein stripping is a very wide procedure, and it is usually reserved for patients who are experiencing a lot of pain or who have skin ulcers. Traditional open surgery, while others prefer newer methods. Newer methods for treating varicose veins, such as Endovenous Laser Treatment, radiofrequency ablation. Sclerotherapy has been used in the treatment of varicose veins. It is often used for telangiectasias (spider veins) and varicose veins that persist or recur after vein stripping. Sclerotherapy can also be performed using microfoam sclerosants under ultrasound guidance to treat larger varicose veins, including the greater and short saphenous veins.

Varicose Veins Treatment and Ptevention Tips

1. Laser therapy: Most effective for small facial and leg blood vessels.

2. VNUS catheter technique that uses a radiofrequency device or laser carried by a catheter.

3. Newer methods for treating varicose veins, such as Endovenous Laser Treatment.

4. Sclerotherapy injection of a solution (generally sodium chloride) directly into the vein.

5. Intense, pulsed light can be used to selectively damage or destroy abnormal veins including small spider veins.