What is Varicosis?
What is varicosis?
Varicosis is defined as a convoluted, enlarged, swollen and blue-purple colored vein disorder seen under the skin. It is a problem usually seen in the veins of the lower limbs, that is, in the legs. Although it is only aesthetically uncomfortable at first, it can cause pain and dysfunction over time. Patients usually apply to the doctor with complaints such as pain, heaviness, numbness, tingling, burning sensation, itching and edema in the legs.
The formation mechanism of varicose is clots formed in the veins or dysfunction in the valves. Normally, there are valves in the veins that prevent the oxygen-poor blood from flowing downwards by succumbing to gravity. If the valves in the veins carrying the blood towards the heart cannot fulfill their function, the blood flows backwards and causes ponding. In the later stages, the vein expands at this point, bends and begins to become evident on the skin. With the same logic, when a clot forms in the vein, the blood cannot flow up and causes varicose veins by pooling where it is.
Why does varicoses occur?
There are many factors that have an effect on the formation of varicose veins. The main problem is that the valves of the veins are insufficient and the leaking blood causes enlargement of the veins. Varicose veins can be seen in the case of high blood pressure and valve dysfunction in the veins. As the age progresses, varicose veins are more common as a result of the loss of elasticity of the veins.
It is known that varicose disease is highly affected by genetic factors. It has been determined that approximately 2 out of 3 patients have a history of varicose veins in their parents. The risk of varicose veins, which is seen in approximately 20% of the society, is 4 times higher in women than in men. It is thought that women’s vascular walls expand more easily and that their hormones somehow cause higher pressure in the veins. For this reason, varicose veins are more common in pregnant women, especially during pregnancy, as female hormones increase. Most women state that varicose veins disappear a few months after giving birth, that is, when their hormones are back in order. Factors such as wearing high heels for a long time, birth control pills, hormone therapy cause varicose veins to be seen more in women.
There are many other risk factors such as obesity, wearing excessively tight clothes, and inactivity. Persons who stand for a long time during the day or sit still at a desk due to their profession are considered in the risk group for the formation of varicose veins, especially if they also have overweight problems. Excess weight in the body causes varicose veins because it causes higher pressure than the veins can handle. Traveling by sitting for a long time, excessive heat in the summer, sunbathing for a long time, being in environments such as Turkish bath, spa and sauna can cause varicose veins.
How is it treated? How does the process work? What can be done to prevent it?
Since the biggest cause of varicose veins is inactivity, changes should be made in this regard. Regular exercise should be made a habit. Especially swimming and walking are recommended. If you are working at a desk job, you should definitely get up and move every few hours. In the same way, it will be good to take a break and walk around for a short time, if possible, on long journeys.
Body weight above normal limits can also cause varicose veins. It is very important to get rid of the excess weight that causes high pressure on the veins to prevent the formation of varicose veins.
Legs should not be exposed to excessive heat, on the contrary, they should come into contact with the cold. Extremely tight clothing should not be preferred, and high-heeled shoes should not be stood for long periods of time. Those who are genetically predisposed to varicose veins or who work in conditions that may cause varicose veins can use compression stockings by consulting a doctor. Resting by occasionally raising the legs above the heart level during the day can be effective in preventing the formation of varicose veins, as it will allow the blood to flow more easily towards the heart. You can achieve this effect if you lie down with a pillow under your feet.
