Varicose veins are very common. It can strike young and old, rich and poor. No wonder, since varicose veins are basically your supposedly invisible veins beneath your skin gone wild! These large, unsightly, sometimes painful veins are usually found in the lower extremities, i.e your legs since they must be the most abused part of our body, carrying the weight of the entire body all the time.
However, varicose veins are doubly common in seniors. We all know that when the body undergoes the natural aging process, almost everything that can be found inside your body starts to break down or behave rather abnormally. Veins grow weaker by the second putting us, seniors, in greater risk of bursting it open or clotting the blood that flows inside it. Normally, the blood inside the vein must flow upward. In a varicose vein’s case, the valve that regulates proper flow fails to do its job causing blood to seep. The blood will then collect in that specific area causing that vein to show.
For seniors, there are many factors to consider when determining the cause of their varicose veins. It could be the lifestyle they lead, especially if they are carrying extra and unnecessary weight, or if they are predisposed to it, i.e genetically. Also, their working conditions can tremendously contribute to them having problems with varicose veins now and in the near future.
It is important to note that varicose veins can never kill you, unless it’s death by humiliation of having one. They are nasty yes, and thank heavens there are treatments available for varicose veins—safe enough even for older adults. Nonetheless, if left untreated, it can be very annoying since it can be painful when walking or standing. There is also an apparent discomfort in the affected leg which can be itchy at times. Varicose veins sufferers are noted to have some swelling around the ankle and some distention in the area where blood seepage occurred. If these symptoms are beginning to interfere with your life then it’s time to take your problems to the doctor as varicose veins can worsen overtime and if left untreated.
There are many types of treatment for varicose veins. It can be surgical, nonsurgical, and less invasive treatments. Your doctor will help you choose what’s the best treatment for your case. Non-surgical treatments include using compression stockings which keep your veins in check and without disturbance. Elevating the legs when resting is also recommended to help calm your veins and at the same time release pressure. These treatments are usually recommended for mild cases of varicose veins.
Surgical procedure to remove the damaged vein is usually recommended for severe cases. Vein stripping involves removing the vein just so it won’t cause any more trouble to the patient. Other less invasive treatments include laser treatments and radiotherapy ablation.