Dementia and Your Loved One
About Me
Dementia and Your Loved One

I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.

Dementia and Your Loved One

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous For Your Health?

Vickie Armstrong

As a woman, your chances of developing varicose veins are very high, especially if you have ever been pregnant. Developing these painful, unsightly veins is a common part of life for most women; however, you should make sure you visit a varicose vein doctor regularly to keep an eye on them. While they are typically harmless for most people, there are some risks associated with varicose veins, and it's important to understand what these are. 

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are veins you can typically see and feel, and they are most commonly found in the legs, but they can be located on other body parts too. These veins typically develop from poor circulation and weakness in the valves of the veins. The valves are a normal part of your veins, and they are there to stop blood flow from going in the wrong direction.

Anyone can develop varicose veins or spider veins, which are smaller, less obvious types of veins, but there are certain things that can increase a person's risks. For example, people who are overweight are at a higher risk for developing varicose veins. People who stand a lot or who go through pregnancy are also at a higher risk.

What Risks Do They Pose?

If you have varicose veins, you should have a doctor check them periodically. Not only will visiting a doctor help you understand your risks, but a visit to the doctor is also a great way to find out what you can do to control and ease the pain you feel from the veins. If you live with varicose veins and do not get treatment for them, you could be at a higher risk for developing the following problems:

  • Bleeding of the veins – There are times when veins burst and begin bleeding. If this happens, you could lose a lot of blood from the veins, and this could land you in the emergency room.
  • Blood clots – Another risk of varicose veins is the potential to develop blood clots. A blood clot forms when blood flow is restricted, and blood clots can be very dangerous for your health.
  • Leg ulcers – One other risk you have is the possibility of developing a leg ulcer, which is an infection.

If you want to decrease your risks, you should seek help for your veins, especially if they are bothering you in any way.

What Types Of Treatment Options Are Available?

The way doctors treat the veins depends on their severity, and they often start by recommending some at-home methods. For example, you might find relief from your veins simply by wearing compression stockings. Another option is to wear comfortable shoes and become more active in life. Your doctor will recommend methods like this if your veins are not severe.

If these options do not work, or if your veins are very large and bulging, doctors can perform varicose vein removal treatment, and there are several good options for this. Sclerotherapy is one option, and this involves injecting the veins to help them collapse. Another option is laser vein treatment, which can help reduce the veins and improve blood flow. Both of these options work great for removing or reducing varicose veins, and you can talk to your doctor to find out which option would be better for you.

If you have varicose veins and are struggling with pain, aching, or itching, you should visit a varicose vein doctor. The doctor you see can help you find ways to relieve the symptoms and will help you understand treatment options and the risks you face from having varicose veins.


Share