Information About Varicose Veins

• Varicose Veins

In addition to some pregnant women, varicose veins affect half of all people age 50 and older. This eMedTV article explains varicose veins in detail, including causes, prevention methods, treatment, and risk factors.

• Cause of Varicose Veins

The cause of varicose veins is weak one-way valves within the veins. Weak valves allow blood to flow back into the veins, enlarging them. This eMedTV article explains the cause of varicose veins in detail and lists risk factors for varicose veins.

• Varicose Veins Symptoms

Varicose veins symptoms include swelling, numbness, and tingling in the legs. This section of the eMedTV archives lists possible varicose veins symptoms and explains what happens if symptoms go untreated.

• Diagnosing Varicose Veins

As this eMedTV page explains, your healthcare provider will consider your medical history and results of your physical exam when diagnosing varicose veins. This article also discusses how the use of ultrasound can assist in the diagnostic process.

• Varicose Vein Treatment

Sclerotherapy is the most common varicose vein treatment. This portion of the eMedTV archives provides detailed information about varicose vein treatment options, including vein ablation and surgery.

• Varicose Vein Surgery

Types of varicose vein surgery include surgical ligation and stripping, ambulatory phlebectomy, and endoscopic vein surgery. This eMedTV Web page explains each of these forms of varicose vein surgery, including information about anesthesia.

• Prevention of Varicose Veins

Prevention of varicose veins involves eliminating or minimizing risk factors you can control. This eMedTV resource offers suggestions for the prevention of varicose veins, such as losing weight, exercising, and not sitting with your legs crossed.