Your body contains thousands of miles of veins, all playing a role to circulate blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout your system. Fortunately, you have so many pathways in your body that when an issue develops with one of them, your body can usually reroute and use other blood vessels.
Take, for example, varicose veins. These problem veins can cause leg pain, aching, burning, and itching. On top of all of that, most people also consider them a cosmetic concern.
That’s why we offer varicose vein treatment at Vascular & Interventional Associates in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. Our team helps people throughout northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati, Ohio, area address varicose veins. We can seal off or remove these troublesome veins, prompting your body to use other healthy veins instead.
We also want to help folks who haven’t yet developed these problem veins. With that in mind, we’re using this month’s blog to explain what causes this venous issue and describe steps you can take to avoid developing varicose veins.
You develop a varicose vein when a valve inside that blood vessel breaks. Each of your veins has valves that should keep blood flowing in one direction. When a valve malfunctions, it allows blood to flow backward or pool in the vein. This causes the twisting and bulging that results in a varicose vein.
Some of the causes of these problem veins are outside of your control. A family history of varicose veins makes you more likely to get them, for example. But you can do certain things to prevent putting excess pressure on your veins, protecting their valves and reducing your risk.
For starters, a healthy weight does a lot to lower your risk for these problem veins. Excess weight puts added pressure on your veins, especially the blood vessels in your legs, where varicose veins are most likely to develop.
To maintain a healthy weight and to further prevent varicose veins, make it a point to get regular physical activity. This improves your circulation, helping your blood vessels function as they should.
Try to avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Also avoid pants with an overly tight waistband and high heels and other shoes that limit how much you can move your ankle. These can all adversely impact your circulation.
If you have a family history of varicose veins, talk to our team about wearing compression stockings. Doing so periodically helps encourage healthy circulation in your legs.
Finally, avoid smoking and tobacco products. These damage your blood vessels.
While you can take preventive measures, some people still get varicose veins. If this happens to you, we have a variety of solutions. At Vascular & Interventional Associates, our team offers:
All of these options seal off the varicose vein, and your body redirects blood flow to healthy veins. Over time, your body should absorb the sealed vein tissue, helping it to fade from view.
Alternatively, we also offer microphlebectomy, which means we remove the affected vein through small incisions.
If you have questions about varicose veins, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team. Make an appointment at Vascular & Interventional Associates by calling our office or by booking your visit online today.
