Treatments Which Can Avoid Surgery For 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.

Also known as a spider vein, this condition is an enlargement of a vein that occurs as a result of pressure in the lower body due to standing upright for long periods of time. The varicosities are most often seen in the legs, ankles, and feet. Many doctors will recommend certain self-treatment procedures, but more often than not the condition is hardly mentioned unless it is an advanced case.

The procedures recommended for self-care include exercise, changing standing or sitting positions every half hour, and sometimes the wearing of compression stockings or hose. When the woman is suffering discomfort or painful throbbing in her legs, her doctor may have some surgical alternatives. However, she must be willing to discuss the presence of this pain and find out what her options really are.

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.

This condition occurs for most women due to pregnancy or advancing age. The vein loses elasticity and is unable to successfully bring the blood back up the legs and to the heart, against the flow of gravity. This causes some blood to pool back down into the vein, thus enlarging it. Those women who suffer varicosities during pregnancy will generally see a post-natal improvement without further treatment.

While men do sometimes suffer this affliction, it is primarily a scourge for women. Age and hormonal changes play a factor, as do the development of obesity or certain lifestyle or career choices. Women who walk or stand for long periods of time are more likely to see these ugly, blue, rope-like formations appear on their legs and feet.

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.

Compression stockings, if properly fitted, can improve this condition, as can shifting position frequently and improving muscle tone in the legs. For herbalists, horse chestnut seed extract can help with the circulation as well. For women suffering pain or bleeding ulcers, there are options such as laser treatments or sclerotherapy which may be recommended by her physician.




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