Varicose Veins In Feet
Do you live in your high heels? Beware that this is a potential cause for the development of varicose veins in the feet. You read it right, varicose veins are not only in the legs, but also in the feet. There are other risk factors to develop varicose veins in the feet, which you may be more familiar with, like family history of varicose veins, standing or sitting for long periods of time, or being overweight or obese.
No matter what factor is behind developing varicose veins in the feet, all of these factors cause the same changes in the vein. Veins are thin-walled and contain valves that prevent backflow of blood. The valves malfunction, by not closing properly, which allows blood to sit within the vein and stretch the vein wall. These changes in the vein lead to varicose veins. At first these veins may look engorged and twisted without having any specific symptoms, but overtime the feet may become swollen, the skin overlying the feet may be discolored, and there is significant pain.
Treatment options for varicose veins in feet
Treatment options are available to treat varicose veins in the feet.
Lifestyle changes: Weight loss and changing positions through the day are two major lifestyle changes that can modify the risk of developing varicose veins.
Exercise: Low impact exercise daily, particularly walking for about 30 minutes squeezes the muscle thereby squeezing the veins to move blood back toward the heart.
Elevation: Either through the day or at the end of the day, elevation can help move blood out of the veins in the feet with the help of gravity.
Compression garments: These garments typically are in the form of stockings. The garments provide compression and work best if used prior to the onset of swelling, such as first thing in the morning.
Procedures: A more permanent option to treat varicose veins is through office based procedures such as sclerotherapy and endovascular laser therapy.
If you are suffering from varicose veins in your feet, make an appointment with your doctor to learn more about the options that are available to treat your symptoms.
Talk to a Vein Specialist
Speak with our team of board certified interventional cardiologist and endovascular specialist in Naples, Florida. They will discuss your medical history, perform a thorough exam, and explain if you are experiencing varicose veins in your feet, and what specific treatments options are right for you.
To request a Varicose Vein consultation click below or call (239) 300–0586