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Varicose Veins
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What
are varicose veins?
Veins contain valves which aid the
return of blood to the heart. They are thin walled vessels that when put under
constant pressure and unsupported by surrounding tissues become stretched.
In people with weak valves gravity forces the
blood back down putting pressure on the vein. The blood then tends to
accumulate in the pouched area of the vein, causing it to swell forcing
fluid into the surrounding tissue.
Any vein can be affected by
varicosities, e.g. the anal veins leading to haemorrhoids, the veins at
the end of the oesophagus in cases of liver cirrhosis. Veins close to the surface of the legs are
susceptible to varicosities with up to 50% of adults affected by enlarged
veins.
What
causes varicose veins?
Factors which contribute to the problem, include
standing for long hours, constipation, heavy lifting, pregnancy, heredity
and aging.
Treatment
of varicose veins
Treatment is aimed toward
aiding return of venous blood upwards. This could involve ;
- Frequent periods of rest with elevation of the
lower limbs.
- External pressure with elastic stockings or
bandages.
- Intravenous injection of chemicals that stop
the blood from flowing into the veins.
- Surgery, in which the superficial leg veins
are stripped away.
Complications
The removal of superficial
veins can lead to decreased venous return in the legs and therefore
symptoms of swelling and heaviness. There may be a consequent danger of
deep venous thrombosis. Other complications could also include ;
- Varicose ulcers - this
is ulceration of the leg above the ankle.
- Varicose eczema -
itching, dryness and discolouration of the leg
- Thrombophlebitis - pain,
redness and swelling of the superficial veins.
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This page was last updated on 05 December 2006 17:11:55
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