Help! Varicose Veins
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PrintFirst, let's clarify:
Varicose veins affect only the veins, not the arteries. Arteries carry oxygen rich blood away from the heart and to the body. The veins carry blood back to the heart from your finger and toes (all of the body).
There are two systems of veins in your body: deep veins and superficial veins. The deep veins (which are so deep in the muscles that you cannot see them), carry 90% of the blood flow. The superficial veins are just under the surface of the skin, they are weaker and have more of a chance of becoming varicose.
What symtpoms occur with varicose veins?
First, let's clarify:
Varicose veins affect only the veins, not the arteries. Arteries carry oxygen rich blood away from the heart and to the body. The veins carry blood back to the heart from your finger and toes (all of the body).
There are two systems of veins in your body: deep veins and superficial veins. The deep veins (which are so deep in the muscles that you cannot see them), carry 90% of the blood flow. The superficial veins are just under the surface of the skin, they are weaker and have more of a chance of becoming varicose.
What symtpoms occur with varicose veins?
Usually, the first sign is an ugly, rope like line on the surface of your skin on the legs. After time, these veins may become achy and sore, causing your legs to feel tired and heavy. You may get swelling around the ankles and feet, especially during hot weather. Tingling, numbness, burning, cramping and itching may also occur. In some severe cases, a browning of the skin and ulcers (open sores) can result from the blood leaking into the tissues in the legs. Some people exeperience pain in addition to the symtpoms above, and some do not.
Listen to Dr. Marcelo Grazziotin of Surgery Specialists of Green Bay as he talks about what varicose veins are:
To register for a free Vein Screening, call 445-7373
