Varicose vein is a condition in which the veins (often in the legs) become enlarged, twisted, and swollen. Varicose veins causes pain because the veins literally swell inside. Varicose vein pain can occur in any part of the body, but it commonly happens in the legs, thighs, as well as the feet. Varicose veins also happen to appear twice as much in women than in men.
If not treated immediately, these veins can burst and bleed which can cause severe wounds that are hard to heal. There is no need to worry because there are treatments for varicose vein pain.
Here are some treatments available for varicose vein pain:
- Sclerotherapy: This is effective in small and medium-sized varicose veins cases. A special chemical is injected into the affected vein. The said chemical aids in scarring the veins and seals them closed.
- Foam Sclerotherapy: Effective for large sized varicose veins. Instead of a chemical, a special type of foam is injected into the vein. Although it is effective, this treatment may cause certain side-effects such as: temporary vision problems, blood clots, headaches, and even fainting.
- Surgery: When the varicose veins are very large, surgery is the only way to go. The other veins then take over the role of the weakened veins. Recovery period ranges from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the patient.
- Radio frequency Ablation: Small probe that emits radio frequency energy is injected into the vein. This treatment is done under local anesthesia, due to severe discomfort.
- Compression stockings: When worn, these stockings squeeze the legs which improve circulation and eases pain or swelling. The jury is still out on these compression stockings if they can really prevent the varicose vein pain altogether, or just simply stop them from getting worse.
At the end of the day, prevention is still better than cure, so here is how you can prevent varicose vein to cause you pain:
- · Do not stand for a long period of time
- · Exercise to keep legs active (to improve circulation)
- · Maintain healthy body weight
- · Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in anti-oxidants
- · Take Vitamin E for better circulation
- · Eat a high fiber diet
- · Keep legs raised to improve blood flow
- · Take Vitamin B supplements
- · Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids
- · Stretching
Varicose veins are indeed troublesome to people’s lives. Not only do varicose veins cause pain, it also leaves an undesirable mark on the body part where it happens.
The good thing is, varicose veins can be cured, and most importantly, it can be prevented. Do yourself a favor and prevent it, because that is much better than having to suffer the varicose vein pain.