Varicose veins can sometimes be unsightly, but even worse, they can cause a tremendous amount of pain for some people. The majority of people with varicose veins do not experience any pain, but for those that do, it can be debilitating.
Features
Varicose veins normally appear in the legs and feet. Pain associated with the condition includes aching, burning, tenderness, itching around the veins and swelling in the ankles.
Treatment
Compression stockings are the first course of treatment and are worn all day in an effort to force more blood flow in the affected veins. When this fails, available are laser treatments that close off the ends of the smaller veins; sclerotherapy that involves injecting some of the veins, so they close; and a surgical option in which the large veins are removed completely.
Significance
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, affect 60 percent of women in America.
Considerations
Women are more likely than men to have varicose veins.
Warning
People who notice a sudden onset of considerable leg swelling should seek medical attention immediately since this could indicate a blood clot.
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