Spider Veins and Varicose Veins
Large twisted blue or purplish veins visible at the skins surface are known as varicose veins. Any vein in your body can become varicose but it usually occurs in the legs and feet due to the pressure the lower body endures to keep your body upright. It is caused by the weakening of the valves and veins in your legs. Varicose veins are usually hereditary. We are also more prone to get varicose veins as we age. Symptoms include itching, burning, throbbing or cramping in the legs and around the veins. Self-care measures such as exercising, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings are used to ease the pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse. If these measures dont work, see your doctor to discuss medical treatments that are available to close or remove varicose veins.
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- Q What are varicose veins?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyVaricose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that develop in the legs and ankles as a result of circulation problems. They are typically visible just beneath the surface of the skin. Full Answer
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- Q What are spider veins?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologySpider veins are those red, purple, or blue lines that can be seen through the skin, often found on your legs. They are actually dilated blood vessels that have been turned or twisted, and thus can be seen through the skin. Full Answer
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- Q Are varicose veins serious?
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For the most part, varicose veins are not serious or harmful. If they cause you pain, you should see your doctor. Furthermore, complications can develop. Open sores, known as skin ulcers, and blood clots can be further complications of varicose veins.... Full Answer
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- Q What is endovenous laser treatment (EVLT)?
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A minimally invasive procedure to treat varicose veins, endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is an alternative to both traditional surgery and other treatments that require minimal access to the vein. EVLT uses heat from a laser beam to destroy the varicose... Full Answer
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- Q What treatments are available for abnormal veins?
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Treatments for abnormal veins include endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), sclerotherapy and micro-incisional phlebectomy. These treatments range from minimally invasive options to surgical procedures involving anesthesia. The contents of this website are... Full Answer
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- Q What causes abnormal veins?
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About 15% of U.S. adults have abnormal veins, such as varicose or spider veins. Heredity, age, standing occupations and weight gain, including that from pregnancy, are among risk factors associated with developing vein problems. Obesity, physical trauma... Full Answer
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- Q What is sclerotherapy?
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Sclerotherapy is used to obliterate spider veins or varicose veins, which can appear anywhere on the leg. The veins are injected with a concentrated salt solution (sodium chloride.) Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities,... Full Answer
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- Q How can I prevent varicose veins and spider veins?
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Not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. But some things can reduce your chances of getting new varicose and spider veins. These same things can help ease discomfort from the ones you already have:- Wear Sunscreen to protect your skin from the... Full Answer
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- Q Who is most at risk of developing varicose veins?
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Nearly one in every two adults 50 years or older develops varicose veins. The condition is most common among women and older adults, but obesity, standing on the job, personal or family history of venous disease, and hormonal changes before and after... Full Answer
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- Q What causes varicose veins?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineVaricose veins occur when valves preventing backflow of blood returning to the heart become weakened (often because of pregnancy or weight gain), and blood pools in the veins of the legs, causing them to bulge. You can reduce some of the symptoms (like... Full Answer
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