When people get older and head into their senior years, back, leg, and feet pain can become a problem. Without taking the time to stretch and smoothen sore muscles, many adults can experience pain beginning in their forties. A common problem that can occur when people age is to have pain in their varicose veins. Researchers say that nearly 25% of all adults become a victim of varicose disease ages 40 and up. Fortunately, it is not permanent and there are things that can be done to stop and prevent it:

What are Varicose Veins and Where are They Located?

Varicose veins can cause pain in other parts of your body, but they mainly form in your legs and feet. They are enlarged, swollen, tangled veins that are blue or dark purple in color.

Varicose veins occur when the vein isn’t working properly to allow blood to flow and the blood then pools in the vein because your muscles aren’t working to keep the blood circulating.

What Are the Symptoms and Dangers If Not Treated?

Pain from varicose veins can cause mild swelling of the ankles, feet and of course throbbing or cramping in the legs. The skin will appear discolored and uneven due to the color of the veins in your legs. Varicose veins are usually caused by crossing legs too much, not exercising and stretching, age or a family history of having them. When people have done years and years of walking on their legs, they can become worn out and weak with age. While varicose veins can be harmless, you should get them checked out immediately if the symptoms become incapacitating If the skin over the varicose vein becomes ulcerated, discolored or is prone to bleeding, this could be a sign of statis dermatis and if untreated it can lead to skin infections and chronic leg ulcers. If the vein becomes red, warm and more tender than usual, this could be a sign of a potential blood clot. While not likely, there is the possibility of injuring a varicose vein which leads to is excessive bleeding, if this occurs, seek treated immediately.

How to Treat and Prevent Varicose Disease

Even though it is very easy and common to get varicose veins, preventing or treating them is possible. One way that can help reduce varicose disease is to start with your internal heath. Many people have found that eating healthy can help keep this disease at bay A sedentary lifestyle is one cause of varicose veins so incorporating a daily exercise routine will help reduce or prevent varicose veins.

If your varicose veins cause you excessive pain, swelling in your ankles or there are skin ulcers occurring on the veins, you should visit a doctor. One possible treatment is ablation, where radiofrequency therapy is used as a minimally invasive cure by reducing the veins and ultimately getting rid of them. By doing ablation for the great saphenous vein, the vein will close and the blood will flow to a new healthy vein. After any procedure for varicose beings, investing in some compression socks or tights will help blood flow and reduce pain.