About this topic
Varicose veins are twisted and swollen veins often found in the legs. Veins have valves to help blood get back to the heart. Valves stop blood from flowing backwards. ‚
Varicose veins happen when the valves are weak, break, or do not work. The blood backs up and stays where it is. When there is too much blood, the vein gets very big and sticks out under the skin. You can easily see the big veins through your skin. Spider veins are the small leg veins that get swollen. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You will wear thick, support stockings over your legs. You may need to wear these for a period of time to get the best results.
- Take short walks often. Try to exercise regularly. This may help improve blood flow. Ask your doctor what activity is right for you.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may have an ultrasound to check your progress.
- If you decide to have your varicose veins treated, you may need more than one treatment.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Varicose veins most often do not cause you to change your activity level. If you have them treated, you may not be able to move around a lot until you have recovered. You may need to take some time off from work to rest. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Varicose veins do not go away
- You get more varicose veins
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Pain
- Scars on the skin
- Blood clots
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the wound; wound opens up.
- Fever
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- If you are overweight, try to lose weight. This will improve your bodys blood flow and ease the work of your veins.
- If you sit or stand for a long time, try to change your position a few times each hour. This will help blood flow back to the heart.
- Try to do more physical activities to keep your legs moving. Movement helps to keep blood moving through the veins.
- Do not wear tight clothes around your waist and legs.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help improve blood flow in my legs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, or swelling, redness, or warmth in my legs.
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/vv/ ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/varicose-veins/pages/whatarevaricoseveins.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚