Varicose Veins: FAQ

Varicose veins can be painful and unsightly—if you’re concerned about varicose veins, now is the time to get your questions answered. Keep reading to learn more.

How are varicose veins formed?
Your veins play an important role in your body—they carry blood from your heart to tissues throughout your body. This gets oxygen and nutrients to all the parts of your body.

In order to move blood throughout your body, your veins are equipped with valves that keep blood flowing toward the heart. In some cases, a malfunction with one of these valves will cause blood to flow the wrong way. This creates a pressure build up and this leads to large, bulging, visible veins that are normally referred to as varicose veins.

What symptoms are associated with varicose veins?
Varicose veins can be painful, especially if you have to sit or stand for a long time. Because blood isn’t flowing as well as it is supposed to in these veins, blood clots can form in these veins and cause inflammation, swelling, and itching.

Can you prevent varicose veins from forming?
There are numerous factors that lead to the formation of varicose veins. You have no control over some factors, such as family history, but there are things you can do to lower your risks of developing varicose veins or prevent them from getting worse.

• Avoid sitting or standing for an extended period of time. Moving around makes it easier for blood to keep flowing. When you are standing, your veins have to contend with gravity to get blood back to your heart. This makes it harder for blood to flow correctly when you stand for a long time. If you have to stand for a long time, do your best to move around and take breaks. If you have a job that means you have to sit all day you should also take breaks to get up, move around, and stretch.
• Extra weight can make it easier for varicose veins to form and make them worse. Maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet with lean protein, whole grains, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.
• Regular exercise keeps your cardiovascular system healthy, prevents weight gain, and helps you avoid circulation problems. Something as simple as a 20-minute walk each day could still improve your health and keep your circulation system healthy.

How are varicose veins treated?
Fortunately there are a few treatments available that can eliminate varicose veins. Schedule a consultation at Reeder Vein Institute to learn about endovenous laser ablation or endovenous radio-frequency ablation. Both procedures are minimally invasive and excellent tools for treating varicose veins. Your doctor can help you determine which treatment is best for you.