The job of the veins in your body is to keep blood flowing towards your heart. Any damage or weakness which holds up this process means trouble. Blood pools in the veins resulting in the symptoms that characterize veins that have become varicose – swollen, twisted and lengthened.
The arrival of varicose veins may be, for some people, an inevitable and unstoppable process. However, forewarned is forearmed, and awareness of a condition mitigates the possibility of relief.
Let’s review some of the warning signs and conditions. Firstly there are undoubtedly groups of people who are more prone than others. Pregnant women fall into this category but chiefly if there is a tendency in their family. In fact, one estimate is that around 50% of sufferers have a history of varicose veins in their families.
Those who are overweight or obese, can place themselves in danger through the extra pressure placed on their veins.
Mobility is a key factor in circulation. Conversely, people who are forced or choose to sit or stand in the same position for a protracted period of time are making themselves candidates for vein problems.
And then there is the march of time. The aging process weakens the veins, and the frequent consequence is apparent by the swelling in people’s legs.
Before you are diagnosed as suffering from varicose veins, there are several key warning signs that you can look out for – and hopefully, take some action before it is too late.
Swelling on ankles and feet is one such sign. If this is a rare occurrence, it can be overlooked – if frequent, be warned. Similarly, should your legs ache after exercise or you experience cramping, this may spell trouble. You should also watch for red spots on your lower legs, indicating bursting of blood vessels and for legs that become shiny, discolored or itchy.
The encouraging factor is that effective treatments are available, and early diagnosis can limit the damage to your health.
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