What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are extremely common but there are still many people out there who are not aware of what they are and how they develop. Varicose veins are basically enlarged twisted veins that make a person's leg look like a road map. They are gnarled veins that have blood pooling in them, most often a result of damage to the valves.

For many people a varicose veins condition is a mild and often temporary condition but for others they can become serious and even be so debilitating that they cause the person to have to stop doing normal, day to day activities that they once enjoyed and found normal.

What are the Symptoms?

As with any other condition there are certain symptoms that one may experience as a result of the onset of varicose veins. This includes an achy or heavy feeling in the legs or other area of the body, itching around one or more veins, and skin ulcers near the affected area.

As soon as you notice any of these signs you will want to get in to see your doctor as soon as possible. They will need to make a proper diagnosis and assessment before you will be able to go ahead with any treatment.

Also keep in mind that there is another condition, known as spider veins, which is quite similar to varicose veins but also very different. At this appointment your doctor will be able to differentiate between the two and let you know exactly what condition you are dealing with.

Treatment

Of course one of the most important steps of all when it comes to a varicose veins condition is treatment. There are a few different options here, and as a patient you will need to work with your doctor and come to a decision on which is going to be the best for you.

Keep in mind that just because one treatment works well for one person this does not mean that it is going to work at all for you. There may have to be a bit of trial and error involved here, to find out what works for you and what doesn't.

This condition can be incredibly hard to deal with but it is important that you have patience, and what with all the effective treatment options available today, you will be able to find one that works for you and get back to looking and feeling like your regular old self again in no time.