Vein Care How to Get Rid of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged and lumpy blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. They may cause pain and itching of the legs, especially after prolonged standing or sitting. They also can lead to a blood clot (DVT), which is life-threatening and needs treatment such as Center for Advanced Vein Care. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins that carry blood from your legs to your heart become faulty. This allows the blood to flow backward into the veins and pool, causing them to stretch and twist.

For some people, the condition is only a cosmetic concern. For others, the twisted, swollen veins are painful, and the discomfort becomes more frequent during warm weather when blood pools in the legs. The pain also tends to get worse when a person sits or stands for long periods of time, as this decreases circulation and increases pressure on the veins.

Vein treatments are performed by specialists in vein diseases, including dermatologists, interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons, often at hospitals or medical centers. The methods they use to treat varicose veins are similar in that they all help to reroute blood through healthy veins, thus relieving the pain and improving appearance.

There are many things that can increase your risk of getting varicose veins, and most of them are easy to change. For example, being overweight puts more pressure on your blood vessels and makes them more likely to stretch and enlarge. Wearing tight clothing, particularly girdles, also can restrict blood flow and contribute to varicose veins. Varicose veins can also develop in people who have been diagnosed with a health condition, such as severe constipation or certain tumors, that increase pressure on blood vessels.

The most common treatment for varicose veins involves wearing compression stockings throughout the day, which gently squeeze your legs to reduce swelling and encourage blood flow. You can find these in most pharmacies and medical supply stores, or ask your doctor for a prescription pair.

You can also try elevating your legs, by lying down and placing them on pillows or higher pieces of furniture. This helps gravity to move the blood out of unhealthy veins and toward your heart. Regular exercise also can improve circulation and relieve your symptoms.

If you do have varicose veins, treatment is recommended to prevent serious problems, such as blood clots that can break loose and travel to your lungs (DVT), or the damaged veins bursting open and leaking blood into your skin (venous stasis ulcers). You should talk with your physician about what type of treatment is right for you.

In some cases, if you're a candidate for treatment, your insurance company will cover it. Ask your insurer to learn more.