Preventing Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are defined as distended veins, often bent and twisted in the subcutaneous tissues. Another term used is varices, which generally refers to varicose veins on the legs, even though they can occur elsewhere. This entry presents snapshot of the varicose veins on the legs, their problems and management.

Varicose veins are medically perceived unimportant and they rarely need treatment. It may be because they affect almost one third of adults and only few cases can cause serious harm. However, they can cause cosmetic problems and lead to reduced self confidence, as legs can influence someone's sex appeal. The risk of varices increases with age and during pregnancy. Some articles stated that family histories may play a role in varicose veins.

Some people could confuse varises with telangiectases, small dark blue veins that often seen as broken veins or small spider. These are cosmetic importance only, and are not the same as varicose veins, although they can occur at the same time.

The most typical symptoms of varicose veins are discomfort, itching, aching and heaviness in the legs. These symptoms worsen after prolonged standing or walking and towards the end of the day or activities. These can be relieved by elevating the legs, wearing support hosiery such as stocking over the veins. Reducing bodyweight often helps patients with obesity to ease the symptoms.

In more severe cases, but rarely happened, varices can be characterised by leg swelling. Vein inflammation or phlebitis can lead to deep vein thrombois if it extends above the knee. Drug of choice of the phlebitis is limited to anti inflammatory analgesics. Antibiotics are not recommended due to the absence of micro organisms in this condition. Other signs are bleeding, skin changes and ulcers due to high venous pressure. In severe cases, surgical treatments are considered. There are many methods currently used i.e. conventional surgery, laser ablation and sclerotherapy. The last method is generally useful for treating smaller varices. It is performed by injecting a sclerosant into varicosities, followed by compression or bandaging. Some findings however, indicate the recurrence of varices after five years of this treatment.

Recognising the type of occupation, whether it involves long time standing or not, is the most occupational preventive measures. The common health tips that can prevent the occurrence and severity of varices include maintaining ideal body weight, doing regular exercises, avoiding constipation (by consuming enough fruits and vegetables) and avoiding wearing high heeled shoes.

Hopefully, it's useful and keeps healthy in your workplace.

References:

1. Campbell B, Varicose veins and their management. BMJ 2006;333;287-292
2. Chengelis DL, Bendick PJ, Glover JL, Brown OW, Ranval TJ. Progression of superficial venous thrombosis to deep vein thrombosis. J Vasc Surg 1996;24:745-9.
3. The Australasian College of Phlebology. Varicose veins. [cited: 9 November 2007] Available from: http://www.phlebology.com.au/forms/selmenu.aspx?selmenu=5.