What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Varicose veins are either in the form of a thin network of blood vessels and bluish legs or in the form of projecting large veins on the legs, in the crease of the knee or thigh. Except for the inconvenience aesthetic, they do not usually cause problems.
Varicose veins can, however, cause the sensation of "heavy legs" with a swelling of the ankles or leg pain at night. These symptoms may worsen the days before menstruation or when a person stays long standing or sitting.

What causes varicose veins?
Various factors involved in the formation of varicose veins: the loss of elasticity of the vein walls and widening of the veins by aging effect, or injury to the venous valves. Venous valves are small valves located in the leg veins and prevent blood from down. If damaged, blood descends in the legs, accumulates, and causes varicose veins.
There is often a genetic predisposition. Other factors are also involved, such as overweight, long standing stations or sitting or the occurrence of pregnancy.

What are the possible complications of varicose veins?
In general, there are no complications of varicose veins. However, in many cases, where varicose veins are old, forms near the skin lesions (abnormal pigmentation) or ulcers due to poor blood circulation.
Varicose veins can be a sign of venous weakness can cause other complications (e.g., phlebitis). It is necessary to talk to your doctor.

What to do when you have varicose veins?
If you already tend to have varicose veins, here are some tips:
Wear compression stockings. These, available in pharmacies, compress the legs and help the return of venous blood in the lower limbs to the heart.
Elevate your legs three or four times a day above the level of your heart for ten to fifteen minutes.
Do not sit in one position for too long. Move your legs and if you can, get up every hour to walk a few minutes.

Lose weight if obese.
Showering you in the evening rather than the morning, just before going to bed, when you will be in the best position to help your blood circulation. Finish your shower by massaging your legs with warm water, from bottom to top.
Avoid prolonged heat sources near the feet and calves: too hot baths, legs stretched out in the sun or by the fireplace, hair removal with hot wax, floor heating, etc.

Prefer reasonable height shoes. High heels regularly brought because continuing contraction of calves, which hinders venous return.
Elevate your feet to sleep. Shims put under your mattress will position the feet above the hips and facilitate the venous circulation. Before that, however, make sure that you do not have heart problems or respiratory problems.

How to prevent varicose veins?
Physical activity such as walking is the best way to avoid the worsening of varicose veins. It tones the muscles that put pressure on the veins and thus promotes venous return.