I have been noticing some varicose veins in both of my legs for the past two months. Kindly let me know what to do about it. I am a 40-year old man.

Julius (by SMS)

Varicose veins occur when veins just below the skin’s surface are damaged, become swollen, and fill with too much blood.Veins are the blood vessels that return blood to the heart. Arteries carry blood away from the heart to the rest of the body,Varicose veins most commonly occur in the legs.

In about 50% of cases, the condition runs in families, and probably is related to an inherited weakness in the veins’ walls or the valves inside veins that keep blood from backing up.Varicose veins are a long-term problem, but symptoms can come and go. You can help to prevent varicose veins by maintaining a normal weight and by avoiding situations where you must stand for prolonged periods. Even with these preventive measures, however, you still may develop varicose veins if this condition tends to run in your family.If you already have varicose veins, you can prevent symptom flare-ups by periodically lying down or sitting down with your legs elevated above the level of your chest.

Some physicians also recommend that you wear support stockings or more specialized compression stockings when you walk or stand for long periods of time. The stockings prevent blood from pooling in the veins, and prevent strain on the valves and leg swelling.

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Treating varicose veinsTreatment for most people with mild symptoms of varicose veins includes:elevating and supporting the legs periodically throughout the daywearing compression stockings.For varicose veins that are close to the skin, dermatologists or vascular surgeons may offer sclerotherapy or laser therapy.

Sclerotherapy involves injection of a sterile irritating chemical agent into the affected vein, causing the vein to scar and shut down. Laser therapy can be effective for the smallest varicose veins while a surgeon will offer other treatment methods depending on the gravity of your ailment.