A meeting, a family function, a social gathering may be the reason you might be wearing pants on even the hottest days of the year,
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so that no one can see the bulging purple veins popping like a road map on your skin! [1]
Those purple veins that make you more self – conscious about baring your legs, putting an effort to dress and hide it are nothing but Varicose veins. Although you might think it is a cosmetic problem, it can cause a serious condition!
What are Varicose Veins?
The veins in your legs do a tough job of fighting against gravity by working to carry the blood from limbs and back to the heart. These valves open with blood flow towards the heart and then closes in order to stop the reverse flow, when they become weak or damaged they no longer can prevent the backflow. [2]
Because of this, the blood backs up and your vein expands, swells and twists beneath your skin’s surface! When vein walls stretch and fail to support the valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction, it can cause a domino effect of progressive vein problems. This often leads to the development of varicose veins, which may further lead to potentially serious complications which are more than just ‘physical appearance’.[3]
While many people just take it as a cosmetic problem by hiding it or trying temporary solutions, there are 30% of Indians who are suffering from this condition! [4]
Spider veins are a smaller version of varicose veins that can appear as red or blue lines in a webbed pattern. Varicose veins and spider veins differ, largely because varicose veins can lead to more serious health problems.
[1] https://www.bmhvt.org/varicose-veins-not-just-a-cosmetic-problem/
[2] https://www.dallasvi.com/blog/when-are-varicose-veins-more-than-just-a-cosmetic-concern
[3] https://www.tanner.org/the-scope/varicose-veins-more-than-a-cosmetic-problem
[4]https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/varicose-veins-causes-signs-symptoms prevention/articleshow/61849616.cms#:~:text=Varicose%20veins%20are%20very%20common,that%20become%20swollen%20or%20enlarged.
If Varicose Veins are taken as just a cosmetic problem, complications can occur such as [5]
Leg Swelling: When pressure builds up in veins, it can cause fluid to leak from the blood into the tissues, which results in swelling.
Skin Ulcers: Varicose veins can be uncomfortable and can make changes to your skin, while it can also become less likely to heal even from minor injuries!
Deep Vein Thrombosis: Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical treatment. The leg can be swollen, warm, and painful. There is a risk of the blood clot moving into lungs, causing a life threatening condition called pulmonary embolism.
Lymphedema: When lymph builds up in the soft tissues of your body, it can cause lymphedema. Lymph is a fluid that contains white blood cells, which protect your body against germs. When the lymphatic vessels are blocked, it can cause fluid retention. Before it leads to major health problems, it’s time to take a serious action!
It should be emphasized that in some cases, although varicose veins expect good long term control of symptoms, especially when combined with exercise, weight control and healthy lifestyle changes there are times when Varicose Veins need extra attention! If you are the one suffering with Varicose Veins or you know someone close who’s facing the initial symptoms of spider veins then it’s time to take the right action! Because symptoms can be relieved and complications can be prevented with the right treatment!
[5] https://delawareadvancedveincenter.com/blog/complications-of-untreated-varicose-veins/