CIRCULATORY DISORDERS(Varicose Veins)

Varicose Veins are enlarged and distended veins. They can occur anywhere in the body but are particularly common in the pelvis and legs.That's because standing and walking upright increases the pressure in the veins in the lower body..The word "Varicose" comes from the Latin root "Varix," which means "twisted."

CAUSES

Veins have one way valves to channel blood back to the heart. Varicose veins develop when the valves of the veins become damaged. This causes blood to pool in the veins, enlarging them and often making them visible beneath the skin.

RISK FACTORS

* Family members with varicose veins

* Sex: Female

* Age: Child bearing age and older

* Hormonal changes, as with puberty, pregnancy, or menopause

* Pressure on the veins of the pelvis, as with pregnancy or an abdominal tumor

* Overweight

* Working at a job that requires standing on the feet for long periods

* Wearing knee-high socks or stockings with tight elastic

* Previous leg injury

SYMPTOMS

* Veins visible through the skin, appearing enlarged, twisted, and swollen

* Achy, tired, heavy feeling in the area of the varicose veins or generally in the legs, especially after standing

* Leg cramps

* Burning or throbbing pain in the legs

* Itching

* Swollen legs

* In severe cases, skin changes below the area of the varicose veins, including:

a)Rashes

b)Discoloration

c)Sores that are difficult to heal (ulcers)

DIAGNOSIS

Varicose veins can be easily seen. Initial diagnosis can be done during a simple physical examination. The doctor may also wish to order an ultrasound examination of the leg veins.

TREATMENT

* Avoid standing for long periods of time.

* Don't wear footwear that interferes with circulation.

* Rest with the legs elevated.

* Wear lightweight compression stockings. Wearing these may help improve circulation in the leg veins.

* SCLEROTHERAPY – injecting the varicose veins with a chemical to shrink the veins.

* RADIO FREQUENCY OCCLUSION – collapses and seals varicose veins by using radio frequency energy.

* LASER or LIGHT SOURCE THERAPY – laser or light source energy used to seal, collapse and dissolve varicose veins.

* SURGERY – banding and removing varicose veins (only for severe cases).

PREVENTION

* Maintain a healthy weight.

* Don't wear socks or stockings with tight elastic around your legs.

* Try to avoid regularly standing for long periods of time.

* Exercise.

* Don't sit with your legs crossed.

* Elevate your legs.

Source:www.h4heart.com