Don't let varicose veins slow you down

For those who have spotted the start of those large, ropey, raised swollen blood vessels in their legs—medically termed varicose veins–there is a way to turn back the hands of time.

How’d these get here?
Most of the time, they come out of nowhere, but sometimes, it’s easier to feel varicose veins before you see them. The road to developing varicose veins depends on a number of factors: Family history, obesity, hormones, medication or having just spent too much time on your feet through the years, among other factors, are major contributors.  Increased pressure in the veins of the legs can lead to vessel damage as well as impede blood flow as it returns to the heart.

Daunted by the idea of laser or other available treatments to remove them?  Before you let your own speculations take over, it’s important to know the long-term effects varicose veins can have and why it’s important to pay attention to certain signs and symptoms.

She’s got legs! Know how to use them:

Varicose veins affect 30-60% of Americans–mostly females, whom are twice as likely as men to develop the condition.  Women who have gone through pregnancy may have also developed varicose veins due to hormonal changes.

Besides physical signs of varicose veins—the dark purple or blue bulging veins in your legs—other signs can include:

-Achy or heavy feelings in the legs
-Pain after prolonged sitting
-leg swelling
-Skin ulcers near the ankle
-Itching or burning near the veins

It’s important to note when you may be developing varicose veins, and to try to prevent the condition from worsening. During pregnancy, or when traveling—especially by plane—for extended periods of time, it’s a good idea to wear compression hose to increase blood flow and help prevent clots.

Don’t wait! Get screened!

Your 22-year-old Christie Brinkley legs are not gone forever.  While only two million sufferers seek treatment annually, many leave varicose veins undiagnosed and untreated. Long-term affects of untreated varicose veins include swelling, aching, itchy skin and developing conditions like stasis dermatitis (change in skin color due to blood flow issues) or phlebitis (an inflammation of veins).

Diagnosis is as easy as an in-office examination to inspect the veins for blood clots and other complications.  From there, minimally invasive, state-of-the-art treatment options are available, and are even covered by some insurance companies—as the condition is recognized as a health risk.

Call us at 708-434-5778 make an appointment at Artemis today or go online to http://www.artemisoakpark.com/appt.php