Varicose Veins Treatment in Oklahoma

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are veins close to the surface of the skin that have become enlarged and misshapen. They often appear as ropey or bulging veins that protrude from the skin and are usually dark purple or blue.

Though varicose veins are generally a cosmetic issue, they can occasionally cause pain and discomfort, especially after long periods of standing or walking. This discomfort can range from heavy, fatigued legs and itching to swelling, burning, or throbbing.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

While arteries carry blood away from your heart, veins carry blood to your heart. Varicose veins are weakened or damaged veins that are unable to force your blood up from your legs strongly enough, allowing blood to flow back down into your legs and pool, stretching and twisting the veins.

A variety of factors can put you at risk for varicose veins. These include:

• Family history—Varicose veins can be a strong hereditary trait. A family history of varicose veins greatly increases the likelihood that you will develop them as well.
• Obesity—Excess weight puts added weight on leg veins and constricts normal blood flow. This can severely hamper your body’s ability to transport blood efficiently and can increase your chances of developing varicose veins.
• Pregnancy—In addition to elevated hormone levels, pregnancy produces increased blood levels to support the fetus. This places excess strain and pressure on the leg veins and muscles, as does the growing fetus. Most varicose veins that appear during pregnancy disappear within nine to 12 months after the baby is born.
• Older age—As you age, the walls of your veins weaken and relax, making them more susceptible to expansion and contortion. This allows varicose veins to form more easily.

There is also growing evidence that suggests estrogen impacts varicose veins, placing women in general at further risk for them. In addition, prolonged standing, walking, or sitting with crossed legs can exacerbate varicose veins, making a multitude of industries risk factors for many individuals.

How to Prevent Varicose Veins

Unfortunately, varicose veins cannot be reversed, and, depending on your risk factors—such as family history or gender—you may be unable to prevent them completely. However, there are a variety of measures you can take to reduce their prominence, mitigate any discomfort, and perhaps even minimize their progression.

• Compression stockings put consistent, even pressure on your legs to encourage blood flow and discourage pooling in the veins. Avoid tight clothes and high heels as much as possible.
• Elevation helps reduce pressure on the veins. Try to elevate your legs when sitting or laying down whenever possible.
• Try not to cross your legs or ankles while sitting. Crossing your legs constricts blood flow and puts unnecessary pressure on your veins.
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Take periodic breaks from the activity you do most—such as using your lunch break to either take a quick walk or sit down and rest—to allow your veins to recover.
• Regular exercise promotes healthy, regular blood flow. It can also help with weight management, another way to reduce the discomfort of varicose veins. Carrying extra pounds puts excess pressure on your legs, leg muscles, and veins, exacerbating any varicose veins you may already have and making you more prone to developing more

Should I be Worried about My Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins can be stubborn to manage and unsightly. Some remedies, such as those mentioned above, can help minimize pain and discomfort and keep you moving.

On occasion, varicose veins can preclude blood clots or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). This is of particular concern if you experience redness, leg swelling, or a hard lump at the site of a vein.

Varicose vein risk factors that increase your chance of developing a blood clot include:

• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Birth control pills
• Obesity
• Surgery
• Prolonged bed rest

If you are concerned about the appearance or severity of your varicose veins, CardioVascular Health Clinic can help. The team at Cardiovascular Health Clinic specializes in vein disorders and diseases, and can determine if you are at an elevated risk for complications from your varicose veins. We also offer a wide array of medical options for treating your varicose veins. Call us today at (405) 701-9880 or fill out the contact form below.