Overview
More than 60% of Americans are affected by varicose veins in feet. It is more common in women. If this disease is not causing any physical discomfort, no health care is required. But if symptoms such as pain are present, untreated varicose veins can lead to severe circulatory problems.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are a common medical condition in which superficial veins become enlarged and twisted. It usually affects the lower legs, ankles, and feet. They appear as bluish and gnarled cords under the skin.
This condition can affect the patient’s daily routine activities adversely. It even causes pain and discomfort while walking or standing. In addition, we do not encourage you to remain inactive for a long time either, as it can complicate your symptoms.
Does Drinking Water Help Varicose Veins?
Poor blood circulation and clots can lead to several unpleasant conditions, like varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis. You can improve the strength of the muscles that support your veins by keeping yourself hydrated.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins in Feet
The most common symptom of varicose veins is the appearance of unsightly and enlarged vessels. Other accompanying symptoms include:
- Achy, restless or heavy feelings in the legs or feet
- Numbness in feet
- Painful ankles and feet
- Burning or throbbing in the feet
- Muscle cramping
- Darkening or itching of the skin around the veins
- Bleeding
- Skin ulcers
- Redness, swelling, tenderness around feet and ankles
Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?
It can lead to severe health conditions. These may include:
● Bleeding
Bleeding can occur when the skin above the veins is thin. If left untreated, blood loss can become a severe problem.
● Sores or Skin Ulcers
It appears due to regular back-up of blood in the veins. Sores and skin ulcers are usually painful and difficult to heal.
● Superficial Thrombophlebitis
These are blood clots that develop in a vein below the skin. Reddened skin, tender, warm veins, pain, and swelling are some of the most common symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis.
● Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVI)
The occurrence of blood clots in a deeper vein causes deep vein thrombosis. It usually has no significant symptoms. However, blood clots that get into the lung can be deadly.
What Causes Varicose Veins in Feet?
Weak or damaged valves are the primary reasons for varicose veins in feet. Usually, it is related to age, heredity, or any other underlying health disease. In this condition, blood does not circulate properly in the body. Therefore, it leads to backing up or pooling in your veins. In addition, if you do not get proper treatment, your veins might get swollen.
Patients suffering from this disease may also have venous insufficiency around the small saphenous veins. The effects of gravity and rising pressure on veins in the lower body parts are responsible for this.
Contributing Factors to Varicose Veins
● Heredity
Your chances are much higher if your parents had varicose veins.
● Gender
Women are more prone to having this disease.
● Aging
Older people are at higher risk of having this disease than younger people.
● Circulatory disorders
Circulatory disorders are one of the most prevalent risk factors of varicose veins
● Obesity
An overweight person is more likely to develop this condition. It puts extra pressure on your veins
● Standing for a prolonged period
Standing or sitting in the same position for a long time can affect blood circulation.
● Pregnancy
Pregnant women are often affected by varicose veins.
Why Do Some Pregnant Women Get Varicose Veins?
Pregnancy can often cause varicose veins. Several hormonal changes occur in the body of pregnant ladies that have a considerable effect on the veins. The pressure placed on the lower vena cava can often contribute to varicose veins. It is a vein that carries blood back to your heart from your legs and feet.
Home Remedies to Treat Varicose Veins in Feet and Ankles
If your condition is not severe and does not require medical treatment, you can manage the disease yourself. Doctors recommend keeping your legs elevated. It will help to prevent blood from pooling in the lower extremities. Some of the most effective home remedies include:
● Regular Exercise
Regular exercising can efficiently help to ease the symptoms. Active body muscles have a positive impact on the body. It assists in getting rid of swelling in your ankles and feet.
● Compression Stockings
If you are suffering from this condition, start wearing compression stockings. It helps to boost the blood flow in your legs and feet. As a result, the risk of the development of varicose veins in feet decreases.
● Supplements
Patients are advised to take grape seed extract. It helps to reduce swelling in the lower legs and relieve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency
● Healthy Diet
Doctors suggest eating fresh ginger and fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and veggies. These are effective in vein health.
● Massage
Massage therapy helps to improve blood circulation in the body.
Other Treatment Options
Severe cases of venous insufficiency may require medical attention. Some of the best and reliable non-surgical procedures to treat varicose veins include:
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Sclerotherapy
- Medical Superglue
Schedule an Appointment at Complete Medical Wellness With Our Experienced Foot & Ankle Surgeons.