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Varicose Veins Essay

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Home Health Care and Varicose Veins

Varicose veins look like large blue cords stuck just under the surface of the skin. Mayo Clinic describes varicose veins as "gnarled, enlarged veins". Varicose veins are often accompanied by patches of thin red lines – flooded capillaries – called spider veins. The most common veins affected by these conditions are those in the legs and feet due to the immense pressure standing and other upright activities place on them. Varicose veins are not typically painful, however, some people complain of aches and discomfort associated with them. According to WebMD, nearly one-quarter of all American seniors are affected by varicose veins to some degree.

While varicose veins and spider veins are almost always …show more content…

The vein sections are divided off by a series of valves. When working properly, a consistent amount of blood is pumped from one section to the next. With varicose veins, the body is not able to push all of the blood out to the next section of the vein so the blood pools near the lower valve. This pooling increases the pressure placed on the valve and the vein wall.

Varicose veins affect many more women than men. Some of the more common causes of varicose veins are obesity, pregnancy, chronic constipation, and tumors. Standing for long periods of time increases the risk of varicose veins, surprisingly, sitting cross-legged does not. Varicose veins are more common in seniors since the veins are more worn out and the valves are not as strong as they once were.

If your senior loved one suffers from varicose veins, home health care personnel can help them manage their condition. Some of the most popular steps to decreasing or treating varicose veins include wearing pressure stockings, losing weight, taking breaks from standing, and seeking permanent solutions such as laser therapy, ablation, or a phlebectomy or

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