Varicose Veins
Derived from the Latin word varix, which means twisted, varicose veins indicate a condition where veins swell and raise above the level of the skin. Though they can occur anywhere, varicose veins are most often noticed on the legs and feet. Veins on the lower body are subject to increased pressure while standing and walking and hence they are most likely to succumb to becoming varicose. Varicose veins appear as dark purple or blue cords that are twisted or bulging.
They are easily noticed on the back of calves or insides of the leg. In very severe cases of varicose veins, they rupture and form sores on the skin. If the veins deep within the legs enlarge, it may lead to swelling and pain. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins as compared to men. Birth control pills and HRT can make a woman more susceptible to this condition. People suffering from varicose veins feel throbbing pain and muscle cramping in the lower legs. These symptoms are worsened by prolonged sitting or standing. Venous disease can also cause varicose vein. Varicose veins tend to be more prominent during menstruation and pregnancy. Another condition similar to varicose veins is spider veins. This appears as smaller jagged lines and can be found on the face too.
Varicose veins treatment
Regular exercise can help in building vein strength and improving circulation. Keep weight under control to avoid extra pressure on the legs. Wearing supportive hosiery can help to some extent. Standing for long periods of time can cause varicose veins since the blood flow is impaired due to the stationary position. Shift your weight from time to time if you are standing for long periods of time. If you have to sit for long periods of time, stand up and move around or take a short walk approximately every 30 minutes. Include high-fiber foods to rule out constipation - a contributory factor to developing varicose veins.
Postural Hypotension
Postural Hypotension is a condition where there are episodes of low blood pressure when a person stands up or sits down. A person feels dizziness and lightheadedness when sitting up or standing quickly. This indicates that the cardiovascular system does not make quick adjustments to accomodate changed position. This situation is possible in people who are on certain medications. For persons who constantly face low blood pressure, this is not an alarming situation.
Diuretics, drugs for hypertension, heart medications and antidepressants can lead to postural hypotension. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or other endocrine disorders can result in episodes of postural hypotension. Severe blood loss can cause sharp sharp fall in blood pressure. Other causes for postural hypotension are dehydration, diabetes and varicose veins.
ECG and EKG can check for any possible irregularities in the heart rhythm. The doctor might conduct a tilt-table test to check your body reaction to differences in position. Blood tests help detect any anemia or hypoglecemia. Persons suffering postural hypotension can increase salt itake slightly. Drinking plenty of water aids in increasing blood volume and preventing dehydration.
Thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis is derived from the word 'thrombo' which means clot. Phlebitis indicates a swollen or inflammed vein. Thrombophlebitis is a blood circulatory condition that is caused by blood clots. It occurs mostly in the legs. Thrombophlebitis can occur at a superficial or deeper level. Superficial thromboplebitis occurs more commonly and is seldom life threatening. On the other hand, deep venous thrombosis affects larger and deeper veins. Sometimes there may be a condition of both superficial and deep vein components. In cases where there is superficial thromboplebitis, care must be taken to ensure that it does not cascade into condition where the deep veins are involved. Most cases of superficial thrombophlebitis resolve by themselves in a couple of weeks. It is when the deeper veins are affected that the clot can hamper or even cut off the bloodstreem. The clot can travel through the blood and block circulation in vital organs such as the heart or lungs.
One of the common causes for thrombophlebitis is hospitalization due to surgery or bedrest. This is because thrombophlebitis is caused from long periods of inactivity. Long airplane journeys can reduce blood flow through the veins and lead to the formation of clots. Varicose veins, pregnancy or complication of IV tubes can lead to thrombophlebitis. Women using oral contraceptives or undergoing HRT are at increased risk of developing thrombophlebitis. If you have a family history of blood clots, you may be at risk of thrombophlebitis. When a patient suffers from thrombophlebitis, the leg veins become swollen and hard to touch. There is redness and swelling in the affected area. When a person suffers from superficial thrombophlebitis, he/she might feel a hard and tender cord barely under the surface of the skin.
Diagnostic tools such as Doppler ultrasound or blood coagulation studies help in examining a patient for thrombophlebitis. For mild cases of superficial thrombophlebitis, you can take analgesics to reduce pain and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammation. To reduce the pain or discomfort and the swelling, support stockings and elevation of the affected extremity are usually recommended. In cases of deep venous thrombophlebitis, thrombolytic drugs are prescribed to melt the clots. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat any infection. Supportive hose or stockings can help in reducing swelling. Keeping the leg elevated prevents excess fluid in the affected area. Application of moist heat on the affected area helps in reducing pain. In high-risk cases of deep venous thrombophlebitis, surgery is used to strip out the affected vein or bypass the clot. Anticoagulants or blood thinners to prevent new clots from forming.
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