Posts

Beware of Varicose Veins This Winter

/in /by

How to prevent your varicose veins from getting worse this winterWinter is often seen as a great time for varicose vein sufferers. The colder days give you the perfect excuse to cover up and hide your unsightly veins. However, did you know that it’s also the time of year which can lead to your varicose veins getting worse? Here we’ll look at how winter living can contribute to varicose veins and what you can do to prevent them getting worse.

How can winter affect your varicose veins?

There are a few things which can trigger varicose veins in the winter months including:

  • Weight gain
  • Little exercise
  • Hot baths and heat exposure

As the weather turns colder, it’s common to turn to hot comfort foods. Most people tend to eat more during the winter months; especially throughout the festive season. It’s not unusual to pile on the pounds over the winter months and it’s the weight gain which can cause a problem for varicose veins. As the legs become heavier, they find it increasingly difficult to pump blood efficiently. This in turn leads to increased discomfort for those already suffering from varicose veins.

While you eat more during the winter months, you tend to do less exercise. This again can make it difficult for the legs to pump blood effectively. So, the veins begin to pool with blood, making them ache and bulge out more than usual.

Finally, as it is a lot colder, you’re going to opt for hot baths and have the heating turned up; especially underfloor heating if you have it. Heat causes the veins to dilate, again making them bigger than normal.

How to prevent your veins getting worse this winter

If you want to prevent your varicose veins getting worse over the cold winter months, ensuring you don’t over indulge too much and keeping active will help. Calf exercises are especially effective. If you want to enjoy a nice bath, make sure it’s warm, rather than hot and try not to overuse the heating.

Of course, the only real way to prevent your varicose veins from getting worse this winter is to seek treatment. There are a lot of treatment options available, so why not contact us today and book a consultation?

Rates Soar for Men Seeking Varicose Vein Removal

/in /by

male varicose vein removalThe number of men seeking varicose vein removal has increased dramatically in recent years. While largely associated with women, varicose veins do affect approximately 56% of men according to research and they can be just as confidence draining as they are for women.

Some men are even heading off for treatment in their lunch break, highlighting just how far varicose vein procedures have come in the last decade.

The rise of male varicose vein removal

There is a lot more pressure placed onto men these days to constantly look their best. So, when varicose veins develop, they are no longer willing to grin and bear it. Rather than embracing the “grandpa legs” look, men are now desperate to eliminate these unsightly veins.

The reason clinics are seeing such a dramatic rise in male varicose vein removal isn’t because it’s suddenly become a more common issue however. Varicose veins have always affected men, it’s just that in the past, women were more likely to go and see a doctor and report the problem than men were.

Of course, it also helps that the range of treatments on offer has improved significantly. Quick, simple and non-surgical methods have helped make varicose vein treatments a more popular option today.

More options available than ever before

Varicose vein removal used to be a major operation. It required weeks of downtime and a fairly aggressive surgery. These days however, there are many different types of procedures, many offering a quick, non-surgical solution.

It’s entirely possible to pop to a clinic in your lunch break, have the veins treated and then return to work right away. Of course, it depends upon the severity of the problem and the type of procedure required, but many patients find their varicose veins can be treated with a simple, quick procedure.

This is especially true for men. While a large number of men do suffer with varicose veins, it is usually milder in men than it is in women. Therefore, the treatments required are typically straightforward.

Overall, male varicose vein removal has become very popular and there are plenty of treatment options out there. If you’re worried about unsightly varicose veins, you can book a consultation with the Cornwall Vein Clinic today.

Could juice be the cure for your varicose veins?

/in /by

Could juice be the cure for your varicose veins?For every health problem you experience, you’ll find a wide range of natural treatments advertised to help. One of the latest natural treatments being advised to those suffering with varicose veins is a juice cleanse.

For those looking to avoid surgery, drinking various juices might seem like a fantastic alternative, but the question is do they actually work?

The link between juice therapy and varicose veins

It is the nutrients within the juices which are said to be beneficial in the treatment of varicose veins. Flavonoids and other nutrients contained in fruits such as blackberries, cherries and blueberries, are said aid in the break-down of hard protein deposits; preventing the veins from becoming blocked and maintaining adequate blood flow.

These nutrients are also thought to strengthen the walls of the blood vessels. Of course, there’s also the added benefit that they can help prevent other conditions and help you to stay generally healthy.

So that’s the logic behind juice therapy for varicose veins, but is it really the best course of action when it comes to treating the condition?

Does it work?

There really is no evidence to back up the claims that juice therapy works in the treatment of varicose veins. While in theory, drinking juices containing dark berry fruits could help in the prevention of the condition, when it comes to treatment you’d be better off seeking actual medical options.

Not all varicose vein treatments are surgery related. In fact, there are many excellent non-surgical procedures available these days. It all depends upon the severity of the condition.

The trouble with trying out natural treatments such as juice therapy, is that you risk the condition getting worse. Contrary to popular belief, varicose veins aren’t always harmless and can develop into more serious problems if left untreated.

Overall, juice therapy could be useful in preventing varicose veins but you shouldn’t rely solely upon it as a viable treatment option.

Don’t be put off seeking help, the treatment required may not be as scary as you imagine! Book a consultation with the Cornwall Vein Clinic today.

3 Unusual Places Varicose Veins Can Develop

/in /by

VeinsVaricose veins are most commonly found in the lower legs, but did you know they can spring up in more unusual areas?

Developing varicose veins anywhere on the body can be distressing. The green and blue veins don’t just look unsightly – they can also be painful or uncomfortable too. Below you’ll discover 3 unusual places varicose veins can develop.

1. The vagina/vulva

Perhaps the most surprising area varicose veins can appear is around the vagina and vulva area. They most commonly develop during pregnancy and are caused by ovarian or pelvic vein reflux. They can cause a lot of discomfort, as well as lead to other issues such as IBS and stress incontinence.

It is often said there isn’t a suitable treatment available to treat vaginal varicose veins, but coil embolization has been proven to work on some patients.

2. Hands and arms

While it is rare, varicose veins can develop in the hands and arms, especially in older individuals and those who work out a lot. They pose more of a cosmetic issue than a medical one and are pretty harmless compared to varicose veins found on other parts of the body.

Fillers tend to be the most common treatment, though ultrasound guided phlebectomy can also prove successful.

3. Around the eyes

Varicose veins around the eyes can be particularly distressing as they are much more noticeable than on other parts of the body. They can cause a lot of embarrassment and even give the face a disfigured appearance. Treatment will depend upon individual circumstances.

A laser may be used to try and close the veins, but some patients may require plastic surgical procedures to remove them.

These are just 3 surprising places varicose veins can crop up. If you’re concerned about varicose veins on any part of your body, contact us today to book a consultation. It’s also important to visit your GP to have the problem properly diagnosed.

3 Common Varicose Vein Myths Busted

/in /by

varicose veinsThere are a lot of myths out there surrounding varicose veins and some can be problematic if they are to be believed. Therefore, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the truth behind these misconceptions. Here you’ll discover 3 common varicose vein myths and the truth behind them.

1. Varicose veins aren’t harmful

While thankfully a lot of the time varicose veins aren’t harmful to your health, in some cases they can be. They can cause aching, throbbing and itching sensations and in some cases even serious swelling. Over time they may also lead to skin changes and leg ulcers . They can be really painful (thrombophlebitis) which means removal is essential in many cases.

2. Varicose veins are the same as spider veins

While the two may look similar, spider veins are basically just veins that have dilated. They are found in the surface of the skin and are largely a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins on the other hand are located in the fat between the skin and the muscle. It’s important to note that the pressure caused by the varicose veins can lead to the development of spider veins too.

3. Varicose veins can always be easily seen

As varicose veins are associated with a bulging, unsightly appearance, it’s logical to think they’re always visible. However, they’re not always bulging. They can be located deeper under the skin so they aren’t necessarily visible to the naked eye. You’ll know if you’re suffering from deeper varicose veins because they present the same symptoms of swelling, achy tired legs and itchiness.

There are so many myths regarding varicose veins so it’s essential to see a doctor if you suspect you have them. The good news is there are many treatment options available, some which don’t require surgery. Treatments have come a long way over the years so don’t be put off seeking help.

You can contact us today to book a consultation and find out more about the treatment options available.