Our veins bring blood back to the heart from the rest of the body.
Varicose veins form when weak or damaged valves permit blood to flow
backward; as the blood builds up and pools inside, the vein begins to
swell. The dark bluish color is caused by the normal depletion of
oxygen in venous blood which is returning to the heart (arterial blood
which comies from the heart is bright red.)
Small varicose veins called spider veins often appear on the surface
of the legs, and varicose veins can also form deeper in the legs,
where they can cause problems with circulation. In addition to the
legs, varicose veins may also form elsewhere in the body; when they
are located in the anal area they are called hemorrhoids. Although
varicose veins can be unsightly and can cause pain, they are very
common (nearly 50% of middle-aged adults have them) and are usually
not dangerous. However, since all varicose veins have the potential
for serious complications, they should be examined by a physician.
Keep in mind that, although we can assist you with general
information, Google Answers is not a source of authoritative medical
advice.
Regarding your questions about the effects of tennis and weight
lifting:
"Exercise that works the legs, such as walking, biking, or jogging,
strengthens your leg muscles and helps pump blood toward the heart.
This prevents pooling, reduces varicose veins, and helps ease any
pain. Avoid sports like weight lifting, though. These can increase
pressure on the legs and make varicose veins worse."
Health: What You Need to Know About Varicose Veins
http://www.health.com/health/wynks/VaricoseVeinsWYNK2000-MAL/whatyoucando.html
While aerobic exercise is generally beneficial for patients with
varicose veins, some doctors warn against "high impact" sports such as
tennis. Almost all vein clinics caution patients not to engage in
vigorous, pavement-pounding forms of exercise after vein treatments,
lest the varicosities worsen.
"There are numerous factors that make them worse such as sun exposure,
high impact sports, sudden weight gain or loss, prolonged sitting or
standing, pregnancy, birth control pills, and post-menopausal
hormones. "
Beraja Medical Institute: Laser Spider Vein Treatment FAQ
http://www.beraja.com/Plastic%20Surgery/laser%20spider%20vein%20treat/laser_spid_faq.htm
The American Institute of Preventive Medicine offers useful
information about varicose veins:
Causes and risk factors for varicose veins include:
Obesity.
Pregnancy.
Hormonal changes at menopause.
Activities or hobbies that require standing for a long time.
A family history of varicose veins.
Past vein diseases such as thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein
before a blood clot forms.)
To relieve and prevent varicose veins:
Don't cross your legs when sitting.
Exercise regularly. Walking is a good choice. It improves leg and vein
strength.
Keep your weight down.
Avoid standing for prolonged periods of time. If your job or hobby
requires you to stand, shift your weight from one leg to the other
every few minutes.
Wear elastic support stockings.
Don't wear clothing or undergarments that are tight or constrict your
waist, groin or legs.
Eat high-fiber foods like bran cereals, whole grain breads, and fresh
fruits and vegetables to promote regularity. (Constipation contributes
to varicose veins).
To prevent swelling, cut your salt intake.
Exercise your legs. (From a sitting position, rotate your feet at the
ankles, turning them first clockwise, then counterclockwise, using a
circular motion. Next, extend your legs forward and point your toes to
the ceiling, then to the floor. Then, lift your feet off the floor and
gently bend your legs back and forth at the knees).
Elevate your legs when resting.
Get up and move about every 35 to 45 minutes when traveling by air or
even when sitting in an all day conference. (Opt for an aisle seat in
such situations).
Stop and take short walks at least every 45 minutes when taking long
car rides.
Health World Online: Varicose Veins
http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=article&ID=1354
As a woman who has suffered from varicose veins for a decade, I've
found the Internet to be a good source of information (although
occasionally one must use caution when visiting sites which are trying
to sell you something, under the guise of providing impartial advice.)
Here are links to a few articles that I have found particularly useful
and informative:
From the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine:
http://www.findarticles.com/g2603/0001/2603000131/p1/article.jhtml
Varicose Vein Treatment
http://www.varicose-vein-treatment.com/
From Vegetarian Times:
http://www.findarticles.com/m0820/1999_July/54963157/p1/article.jhtml
The link below will enable you to browse through many articles about
varicose veins. Some are more technical than others; the small summary
that appears with each link gives you a feel for the level of medical
terminology that the article uses.
FindArticles.com: Varicose Veins
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/PI/search.jhtml?magR=all+magazines&key=%22varicose+veins%22
Numerous treatment options, both medical and nonmedical, are available
for both spider veins and varicose veins. Some involve surgical
"stripping" of veins; other therapies involve high-tech methods
utilizing lasers and ultrasound. The simplest, least expensive
treatment in mild cases is the use of elastic compression stockings
("support hose,") which can help to ease the throbbing pain, while
also disguising the appearance of the veins. I have often found relief
simply by propping my legs up on a bolster when I sit on the couch or
lie in bed watching television.
Open Directory Project: Varicose Veins Treatment
http://dmoz.org/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/Cardiovascular_Disorders/Vascular_Disorders/Varicose_Veins/Treatment/
Search strategy:
"causes" + "varicose veins"
"varicose veins" + "weight lifting"
"varicose veins" + "high impact sports"
"treatments" + "varicose veins"
I hope this information is useful to you. If any part of my answer is
unclear, or if links are broken, please feel free to ask for
clarification.
Best wishes,
pinkfreud |
