Important Health Information about Varicose Veins

What is Varicose Veins?

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Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They can be dark purple or blue, and look twisted and bulging. Varicose veins are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg. They develop when valves in the veins that allow blood to flow toward the heart stop working properly. As a result, blood pools in the veins and causes them to get larger.

Varicose veins affect 1 out of 2 people over age 50. They are more common in women than men. Hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein. Spider veins are like varicose veins, but they are smaller.

Exercising, losing weight, elevating your legs when resting and not crossing them when sitting can help keep varicose veins from getting worse. Wearing loose clothing and avoiding long periods of standing can also help. If varicose veins are painful or you don't like the way they look, your doctor may recommend procedures to remove them.

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Resolved Question: is this lump cancer? been referred to a gynaecologist and now worried? (Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:30:17 GMT)
just inside the inner lips on my vagina, i have a lump a little bigger than a pea,to me it looks red but it does not hurt and has been there a few weeks but i thought it would go on its own but a few weeks later it is still there and has not changed colour,shape and still does not hurt but today i saw my doctor and at 1st she said it could be a Bartholin cyst as i have had 3 before but they were all on top of my vagina but when she looked closer she said the top has a blue tinge to it and coul
Resolved Question: Keep worrying about things what can I do to stop it? (Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:55:53 GMT)
Hi I worry about things alot... like today I got perol on my hands so I stress about it I worry about all sorts of things from a big varicose vein I have, to eye sight to possible health problem I worry about my self my kids all the things that could go wrong that I end up with anxiety then think somethings really wrong as I cant breathe properly when i get bad anxiety. FEAR is robbing me of a happy life but i dont know how to stop it my counsellor says its from childhood sexual trauma but kn
Resolved Question: Varicose veins - treatment? (Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:41:54 GMT)
hi all, my mother is suffering from varicose veins problem since last 5 years. We tried some ayurvedic medicines, can someone suggest me some health supplements for it'?
Resolved Question: Can an employer ignore a doctors letter restricting the amount of hours you are allowed to work? (Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:07:05 GMT)
I am employed part-time, contracted 12 hours a week, but liable to unlimited overtime (within EU working guidelines) shifts are generally 4 hours in length. My doctor didn't like the fact that I was doing a standing job as I have varicose veins in my legs, He had advised me to leave a full time job previously as it was seriously affecting my condition. But acknowledged that 4 hour shifts of my current job would be ok. But when I told him that a 20 hour week in the X-Mas rush had caused bruisi
Resolved Question: What does this all mean? What could the veins and bloated stomach mean if I am not pregnant? (Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:10:50 GMT)
Not sure how to start this question, so forgive me if it sounds like I'm rambling.... I've been experiencing some strange things with my health/body. For one, I've noticed two long veins on the back of my knee (going sideways and they are not varicose veins). I started to feel pain when I sit down for long periods of time around the veins, but when I stand up, everything is fine. I've noticed more veins on my lower abdomen connecting to my legs. I guess I started noticing all this when I thou
Resolved Question: What could this be? I'm confused.....? (Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:36:42 GMT)
Not sure how to start this question, so forgive me if it sounds like I'm rambling.... I've been experiencing some strange things with my health/body. For one, I've noticed two long veins on the back of my knee (going sideways and they are not varicose veins). I started to feel pain when I sit down for long periods of time around the veins, but when I stand up, everything is fine. I've noticed more veins on my lower abdomen connecting to my legs. I guess I started noticing all this when I thou
Voting Question: What could this be.....are my symptoms something serious....or just in my head!? (Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:16:38 GMT)
Not sure how to start this question, so forgive me if it sounds like I'm rambling.... I've been experiencing some strange things with my health/body. For one, I've noticed two long veins on the back of my knee (going sideways and they are not varicose veins). I started to feel pain when I sit down for long periods of time around the veins, but when I stand up, everything is fine. I've noticed more veins on my lower abdomen connecting to my legs. I guess I started noticing all this when I
Resolved Question: Which health insurance plan is best in india. I need it for my father who has to undergo an operation shortly.? (Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:49:28 GMT)
My father has to undergo a varicose veins operation shortly and i am planning to buy a health insurance plan for the same(in india). Which is the best one that i should go for. Is there some time limit after the date of insurance before which i cannot avail any benefit if i go for surgeries? I have minimal knowledge regarding health insurance plans and how it works. Please share some information regarding this.
Resolved Question: Do varicose veins cause any health problems? (Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:21:15 GMT)
I'm 22... and I don't have any health problems (I do not have high-blood pressure or diabetes or that stuff), but after I had my daughter- I noticed I have a few large varicose veins in my legs?... Is this something the Doctor needs to fix or no big deal?
Resolved Question: I am in dilemma to which doctor to go to.? (Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:09:06 GMT)
I was consulting a doctor at Global Hospital for treatment of varicose veins and other prblms like cholesterol and lack of calcium swelling on body, pain in legs,he gave me medicine,but i was not relieved. So i visited other doctor at Care Mr PC.Gupta vascular surgeon,he gave me Dafflon Tablets just for varicose veins as he is a vascular surgeon, but doctor at Global gave me different medicine for my other health prblms too,so, please give advice to whome i should visit, i am unable to make a
Resolved Question: Helppp Health Questionss ten questions? (Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:26:18 GMT)
1. Which drug/hormone is used to control diabetes? A. Orvillin B. Insulin C. Penicillin D. Sulfa 2. A heart attack is a/an: A. aneurism in the aorta. B. blood clot that occurs in the brain. C. blood clot that occurs in the coronary arteries. D. aneurism in the lungs. 3. __________ is the spread of cancer. A. Benign B. Malignant C. Carcinoma D. Metastasis 4. Asthma can be treated with antibiotics. A. true B. false 5. Ultraviolet rays are carcinogenic. A. true B. false 6. Eating a low salt diet
Resolved Question: Are varicose veins on my penis bad? (Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:10:32 GMT)
any effect or health issues that it can cause? do they go away?
Resolved Question: Are Varicose veins considered a Major disease or a health related condition? (Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:55:46 GMT)
Also is Alzheimer’s a disease or condition?
Voting Question: i have a varicose vein on my right leg, what can i do to make the vein health again? (Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:51:30 GMT)
if i stand on that leg along time,the vein sticks out or stand back on my legs. has puffin's in the vein as well
Resolved Question: NEED HELP! - HOW DO I READ MY KNEE MRI? (Tue, 19 Jul 2011 17:58:18 GMT)
Hello I just had an MRI done on my knee and if possible, would like an ortho doc or someone knowledgeable about knee health to translate my MRI findings. My doctor didn't give explanation at the time of my appoinment. My history: began training for a marathon Spring 2010 and progressed really well, up to 30 miles/week while running and cross-training 5-6 times/week. Changed shoes/running technique in Sept/Oct and developed swelling around the front of the knee, could not finish spin classes
Resolved Question: is it considered bad if you sit crossing your legs in front of your professor? (Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:21:45 GMT)
like is it really low mannered to cross your legs in front of anyone in general? I know it's bad health wise (causes bad circulation and varicose veins) but is it also a bad etiquette? I always sit in the front row with my friends cross-legged and I think my professor doesn't like it, he just keeps staring at us with kind of a disgusted look :\ what does ghetto mean?
Resolved Question: uncle joe began to hemorrhage from esophagus? (Fri, 27 May 2011 18:41:10 GMT)
Uncle Joe began to hemorrhage from the esophagus. He was rushed to the emergency room, where he was intubated & a rapid infusion of 5% dextrose plus thiamine & colloid solution was started. He also was given an infusion of Sandostatin to stop the bleeding. His blood was typed &he received fresh frozen plasma, fresh blood, and vitamin K-1. He received endoscopic varicealligatioh, in which elastic bands were placed around 2 ruptured varices (varicose veins) to strangle & obliterate them. He will
Resolved Question: Help me relax about obession with blood clots!!!!? (Tue, 17 May 2011 14:37:09 GMT)
I'm 21 and overweight, I have bad veins, varicose, spider and puffy ones. Anyway a long story made short I'm always examining every ache and pain to see what's wrong, I'm a huge Ocd-er, worrier, hypcondriac and I will look at the same area of my body 500 (no joke) times a day! My family is drove insane, I AM currently seeking mental health therapy, with limited success right now! I constant go to the doctors at least once or more a week, and this has been going on for 5 years, I've had to doct
Resolved Question: Why is is healthful to perspire? (Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:10:58 GMT)
No. I have not been studying this. I do , from time to time, look for information on subjects, to enhance knowledge,to survive ..try to outwit the grim reaper since I am the only one interested in my longevity and health.. for it, to clarify, to review to be sure I have the right information. It is not against the law, nor indication of criminatity to do this.It is not an indication of cheating, or trying to get something, or trying to cause trouble, or trying to compete. It is usually sur
Resolved Question: Where can I buy compression stockings in New Zealand (Auckland)? (Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:15:29 GMT)
I have light varicose veins since early 20's on the left thigh, not a good sign to have it at such a young age! I have consulted my GP and she recommended me to do more excises and also to wear compression stockings, but she did not tell me where to buy. I did a bit of research online and realized you may need a health professional's prescription to buy them? I wonder if I can simply get them through pharmacies or chemists without any prescription, any suggestions?
Resolved Question: what will happen if my husband its positive for varicocele? (Sat, 05 Mar 2011 04:47:47 GMT)
he did the test already we going to see the results on march 28 but im scared if he has to do surgery to removed it cause he drinks pills for his epilepsy seizure what can I do to calm down I cant stop thinking and fearing about the results. varicocele:A varicocele is a widening of the veins along the cord that holds up a man's testicles. Causes, incidence, and risk factors A varicocele forms when valves inside the veins along the spermatic cord prevent blood from flowing properly. This cause
Resolved Question: Are hot showers bad for your skin or health in any way? (Sun, 26 Dec 2010 14:29:53 GMT)
Everyday I get a hot shower to the point of getting red splotches all over my body (which fade after I get out). The hot water feels so good it is almost euphoric and it relaxes my muscles. I know it can cause dry skin; but beyond that are my hot showers doing any harm? Harm such as premature aging or varicose veins maybe?
Voting Question: Back Leg Pain - What is causing it? (Sun, 21 Nov 2010 16:46:23 GMT)
The back of my leg, from mid-thigh to just below my knee, has been hurting for just under a week now. I woke up Monday morning, and when I started standing out of bed, I felt this extreme pain. Because I can't straighten my leg, it has caused me to walk with it slightly bended. When I lay in bed, if I focus on getting through the pain, I can straighten my leg. I have varicose veins scattered around this leg, but I've never experienced pain this strong and definitely not as long from having
Resolved Question: Acute varicose vein pain? (Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:03:24 GMT)
Hello, obviously I realize looking on the internet for health info is a dangerous thing. I had injured my back a few weeks ago and had numerous chiro adjustments. I thought the pain in my leg from thigh to knee was sciatica, used lots of heat. I now realize it's vascular. I am 48, female, active but considerably overweight. Don't smoke, have high bp, take verapamil every day for that. When I stand up it's a very all over pain all down my left leg ending above the knee usually but sometim
Resolved Question: Does diabetes make your eyes hurt & your legs feel as if they are dying? (Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:49:11 GMT)
My sight is getting worse & I expected that after the doctor said I had cataract in my left eye. But the headaches & pressure on the left eye is worsening, I'm only sleeping in 2 or 3 hour shifts, dry mouth & always running to the bathroom. My legs are the oddest symptom because they no longer feel good after I lay down & elevate them for 15 minutes as I have always done. They constantly feel like lead weights & have an "odd" sensation of not having enough circulation. I can almost feel
Voting Question: how to treat a busted vein? (Sun, 29 Aug 2010 03:32:23 GMT)
so yesterday i was just sitting having a good time until i looked down and saw that i was bleeding and in a panic i didn't know what to do i called the ambulance and shortly after noticed that my varicose vein was busted and squirting out blood! they took me to the hospital and all they said was to get me some supportive stocking so that my blood can circulate while im on the job because i stand all day! i didn't come back from the hospital until 5am so today was the first day i called off w
Resolved Question: Lump on leg that feels like a bruise? (Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:45:15 GMT)
I noticed this lump on my left upper thigh yesterday. It's not discolored or anything, but it feels exactly like a bruise and I don't recall hitting it on anything. I've also been having a lot of varicose veins popping up and I've been feeling weak and tired all the time. I'm only 20 years old. I'm not sure if if it has anything to do with my job or not, I do a lot of standing and walking and I haven't really had a day off in over a month. I'm a housekeeper at a hotel for 4 days a week and I'm
Resolved Question: Why do I have really visible veins under my eyes? (Sat, 31 Jul 2010 06:46:14 GMT)
Under my right eye in particular I have very visible blue veins under my eyes. They don't bulge like varicose veins and they aren't really thin and tiny like spider veins. My parents don't have them either and I am only 19 so it's kind of freaking me out plus it isn't exactly attractive. I also don't smoke or do anything bad for my health that would cause that to happen. Could it be eye strain maybe?
Resolved Question: Why do I have varicose veins? (Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:12:53 GMT)
I am 25 years old, I'm skinny and I never been pregnant. I am active and keep a healthy diet. I work out an hour a day plus I take my dog on 3-4 walks a day. I don't keep my legs crossed and I wear compressed socks. I started getting varicose veins when I was 14. I've always been skinny and so is my family. Varicose veins do not run in my family. My family is pretty healthy. Both sets of grandparents are still alive and disease free. My veins have never hurt but I started getting bad purple,
Resolved Question: The veins on my butt are very visible, even though I am fat. Is this indicative of a health problem? (Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:59:03 GMT)
The veins are not varicose, if my understanding of meaning of the word "varicose" is correct in that it means they are "sticking out" or could be felt. Legitimate answers only, please... nothing about invented pseudo-problems such as "high cholesterol" (yes I know no one would relate that to this, but high cholesterol is an example of an invented health problem that does not actually exist and/or is not actually problematic). Also I am 25. They show up as light blue, and only on the butt.
Resolved Question: who doesnt wear socks in the summer? (Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:51:08 GMT)
This may sound a bit strange but I have a phobia of seeing people not wearing socks but sandalls especially in the summer. In the winter I feel sad if people dont wear socks its such a silly problem I have in my head and have had this fear for years I get nervous of wearing sandals sometimes so I wear at least one sock on one side when I need to wear them. Also I feel embarrased in bare feet in someone else's house sometimes. In some households we have to take our shoes off. MY mum is quite
Resolved Question: If universal healthcare is so great, why is the UK cutting services to save money? (Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:25:55 GMT)
Among procedures being targeted by health trusts are hernias, joint replacements, ear and nose procedures, varicose veins and cataract surgery. Is this what we have to look forward too? Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1283873/NHS-preparing-cut-millions-operations-Patients-lose-ensure-20bn-savings.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0qNU9FvwH
Resolved Question: Are you one of the MILLIONS of BRITS whose operations are being canceled by the NHS for budgetary reasons? (Sat, 05 Jun 2010 10:57:56 GMT)
Well, I can now see why the liberals on here LOVE the NHS so much, excerpt... NHS 'preparing to cut millions of operations': Patients will lose out to ensure £20bn savings Millions of patients face losing NHS care as bosses prepare to axe treatments to make £20billion of savings by 2014, a top doctor has warned. Among procedures being targeted by health trusts are hernias, joint replacements, ear and nose procedures, varicose veins and cataract surgery. Dr Mark Porter, chairman of the Briti
Resolved Question: what do you call varicose vein doctor? (Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:58:30 GMT)
i need see one.... i want to know if my health care insurance will take it.....also how i can prevent them from coming...
Resolved Question: im having a few problems? (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:05:42 GMT)
Hi, im 43yr old with health & mobility problems. I have a dead left arm & cannot grip with left hand. I also have tendons in right knee & a weight bearing ankle problem. I was born with a hole in the heart & have bi-lateral varicose veins in both feet & also muscle spasms in legs on meds, yes a long list but I live with it. I went to doctors today & he going to do a life history assessment. Could this be multiple sclerosis? The weakness & muscle spasms relate to it. I use a stick & crut
Resolved Question: should overweight people????????????? (Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:23:52 GMT)
pay more for their health care insurance since obesity increased the risk of developing many common diseases including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis, cancer, sleep apnea, abdominal hernias, varicose veins, gout, gall bladder disease, respiratory problems including pickwickian syndrome ?????
Resolved Question: am i being discriminated against because of my "disability"? (Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:41:09 GMT)
i have a progressive condition with has the capability of affecting my day to day activities - i cannot stand for long periods of time without making myself ill. i have varicose veins, caused by weak veins in my legs and from being overweight in the past. (i have never been pregnant). so i know the disability discrimination act covers me, but am not sure that it covers what i am about to ask. i work part-time (contracted 12hrs a week) in fashion retail, so the job involves an amount of standi
Resolved Question: 28 & really sore and swollen feet, ankles, and knees? (Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:14:56 GMT)
My husband is only 28 years old and about 2 weeks ago he started complaining that his knees & ankles were kind of sore. Then he started limping really bad and complaining that the bottoms of his feet were hurting really bad. Now his feet aren't hurting as bad but his ankles and knees are and they are like major swollen! You can't hardly even tell where his ankle is any more. Today I noticed that they had splotchy purple spots on them, and we've noticed for the past week and a half that he has
Resolved Question: do you often find that 'old people' often...? (Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:23:36 GMT)
...turn out to be YOUNGER than you? the times I've spent listening to long accounts of varicose veins, hospital visits and procedures as well as various other laments and complaints from quite elderly seeming people - just to find out they're my age or younger, and, when they're not moaning, seem to be in better health than I am. I remember my great aunt went to live in a 'senior's village' any time I heard from her she was talking about the 'old people' there, she helped them, kept them com
Resolved Question: Are varicose veins a health concern or just a cosmetic issue? (Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:24:35 GMT)
If someone has varicose veins that pop out from behind their right leg is that a sign for concern or it doesn't really mean anything? I'm in my 30s and they're starting to hurt and pop out more.
Resolved Question: Can I ask a nurse or a medical student on Y!A a question? (Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:40:17 GMT)
I am 24 years old. From ages 18 to 23 I abused vicodin, roughly taking 2500 vicodins in that time period. Sometimes groups of them at a time while drinking alcohol. I realize how bad this is for you especially because of the acetaminophen and I deeply regret it. I haven't ever had liver pains or anything but recently I've seen vague varicose veins where I believe my liver is about an inch under my chest. There's two sections of varicose veins about 5 inches wide a piece centered almost directl
Resolved Question: About getting pregnant? (Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:51:44 GMT)
Let me tell about a little bit health history about myself. I am now married for two years and trying for a baby without any luck so far. We started to try last May 2008 and from then on i am taking folic acid. But after six months of no luck we went to see a doctor and in the check up i came to know that there were small follicles in my right ovary and my weight also increased from 50Kg to 62Kg. I was put on medication with Glucophage 500mg twice daily, which i am continuing even now. Then on
Resolved Question: Can I still have my varicose veins done on the National Health ? My GP says I cant.? (Sun, 31 May 2009 21:19:22 GMT)
I must wear thick support tights ( at least £5 a time), or VERY strong support STOCKINGS ! supplied by the Nat Health. I'm sure they will cost just as much in the long run for them. I don't need the op for cosmetic reasons. they are really bad. The knee surgeon tells me he wont do my knee replacement because I have fluid in my legs caused by my inefficient veins. I'm getting so I cant walk far & often need a wheelchair, especially when shopping or going for days out.
Resolved Question: Discovered some spider veins ...area hurts, help? (Wed, 20 May 2009 14:58:12 GMT)
I discovered a small area around my left ankle with some spider veins. I was rubbing on some lotion and when I hit that area it hurt, like a bruise. I do sit most of the day at my job, but I raise my feet sometimes. I have for some time been using a pillow under my feet before I go to sleep, my legs have been feeling very tired. What can I do? My Mom had surgery on her legs years ago for serious varicose vein problems. I know a lot of health issues are hereditary, but what kind of home e
Resolved Question: Varicose veins doe anyone know how much it cost to treat? (Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:46:18 GMT)
Does anyone know about how much it cost to have EVT done for varicose veins? I am looking to have either EVT (I think thats the name) or venus closure. I have had sceleroheraphy done in the past but mine are to bad for that to work anymore. I am not overweight but were caused from two pregnancies and years of working as a waitress and a sever family history of them. I am only 33 and want them taken care of. I do not have health insurance and did not know how much ball park price this woul
Voting Question: varicose veins??? does it consider a pre-existing conditions? (Sat, 14 Feb 2009 21:09:15 GMT)
i just got aetna student health insurance with the university i am in. my question is ( does my varicose vien consider a pre existing condition???) i've it from 6 years.
Resolved Question: Extreme blood pressure in veins at a young age? (Sat, 07 Feb 2009 04:14:19 GMT)
I'm 17 years old, and often when I am sitting for a long period of time, the veins in my legs feel like they have an extreme amount of pressure in them. They almost feel like they're going to burst. It's enough of a pain to make me actually have to sit down or incline my legs. The same can happen to my arms if I leave them down, not inclining them up. It generally happens at night, but can happen in the day and morning as well. When this happens, my veins stick out like crazy, but they n
Resolved Question: AM i the only one one who feels that pregnancy & breastfeeding is a punishment? (Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:22:31 GMT)
The stretch marks, the sagging deflated breasts and weight gain, the loose skin everywhere and the varicose veins...Ever since having my son i've never been happy with myself and although i did the best for him it's still no comfort to what i look like what so ever. I'm 22 and feel like i have the body of a 99 year old. I'm absolutely disgusted with myself and my self esteem which was low to begin with is now non existant. I know it's horrible but i can't help but find myself wishing i never e
Resolved Question: Lower Back Pain Question? (Mon, 19 Jan 2009 04:05:05 GMT)
I am 30, exercise and in good health. I have a job where I sit in a computer chair all day. For about a year I have had lower back pain that has spread to my legs. I also noticed that I have some varicose veins on both legs. My lower back feels sore and so to my legs. Sometimes it is not bad, other times it is really bad and my knees also ache. Just curious as to what might be causing this? I am going to the doctor, but maybe someone has had similar issues? Thanks.
Resolved Question: Anyone else have a chronically sick relative giving them grief? (Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:51:31 GMT)
I love my mother dearly, but I am really sick of her health problems. In my life, she has been in and out of hospital having had 3 strokes, 15 slipped discs in her back, meniers disease, fibromyalgia, hearing loss, migraines, varicose vein surgery, depression, stomach ulcer, and now she has not only a bleeding spleen, but an undiagnosed serious stomach problem. With each health problem she has point blank refused to get any medical help until it becomes impossible for her to function. She a

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