Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They can be dark purple or blue, and look twisted and bulging. Varicose veins are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg. They develop when valves in the veins that allow blood to flow toward the heart stop working properly. As a result, blood pools in the veins and causes them to get larger.

Varicose veins affect 1 out of 2 people over age 50. They are more common in women than men. Hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein. Spider veins are like varicose veins, but they are smaller.

Exercising, losing weight, elevating your legs when resting and not crossing them when sitting can help keep varicose veins from getting worse. Wearing loose clothing and avoiding long periods of standing can also help. If varicose veins are painful or you don't like the way they look, your doctor may recommend procedures to remove them.

Varicose Veins on Wikipedia

'''Varicose veins''' are veins on the leg which are large, twisted, and ropelike, and can cause pain, swelling, or itching. They are an extreme form of telangiectasia, or spider veins. Dornstetten, Germany. Varicose veins are more common in women than in men, and are linked with heredity. Other related factors are pregnancy, obesity, menopause, Senescence, prolonged standing and abdominal straining. Varicose veins are bulging veins that are larger than spider veins, typically 3 mm or more in diameter. The irritation -- especially the itching -- of varicose veins can be controlled to an extent with either of the following: *anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin -- but there is a risk of intestinal bleeding. *regular exercise, including vein gymnastics, wading through water and going barefoot.   [ Read More ]

External Resources

GERnétic - Cellular biological skincare and beauty from France. Additional treatments for breast enhancement, cellulite, weight loss, varicose veins, stretch marks and other revitalizing anti-aging systems.

Botavie - Phytotherapeutic products made exclusively from plans and other natural products. Includes formulas for acne, high blood pressure, hair loss, hemorrhoids, herpes, and varicose veins.

PharmaQuest - Presents a unique product that vanishes varicose veins.

Medical Self-Care Varicose Veins - Self-help, self-care for varicose veins. Decision trees to help you decide whether it is time to see a vascular surgeon.

Vulvar Varicose Veins and Genital Prolapse - The V-brace by Fembrace Inc. is a new support garment to alleviate the painful symptoms of women suffering from vulva varicose veins,genital and uterine prolapse.

Spider Veins - Part of a site on plastic procedures, describes sclerotherapy for spider and varicose veins.

VEINTEC - The Varicose Vein Clinic Of Texas - Specializing in outpatient treatment for varicose and spider veins using sclerortherapy and other methods.

EndoVenous Laser Treatment - EVLT, a new laser treatment for varicose veins, is a education and referral program operated by Diomed for varicose vein sufferers and physicians.

Injection treatments for leg veins - Sclerotherapy for spider veins, thread veins and varicose veins by Mark Whiteley - a UK vein expert.

The British Varicose Vein Centres - A network of vascular specialists in England.

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