How to Check for Vein Disease at Home
Vein disease is a general term used to describe a number of conditions that affect the veins. While treatment of vein disease often falls into the hands of a vein specialist, it is important to know what to look for in the various forms of vein disease. Early detection and knowledge of potential vein disease can help make the process a lot simpler and smoother. In this article, we will discuss some different types of vein disease and how people can check for them at home.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a type of vein that is enlarged and swollen. They usually occur in the legs, but can also be found in other parts of the body. Varicose veins form when the valves in the veins malfunction. This allows blood to pool in the vein, which causes it to enlarge.
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing varicose veins. These include:
Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to develop varicose veins.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men.
Genetics: If your parents had varicose veins, you are more likely to develop them too.
Weight: Being overweight increases your risk of developing varicose veins.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy can increase your risk of developing varicose veins.
Standing or sitting for long periods of time: This can cause blood to pool in the veins, leading to varicose veins.
Varicose veins are one of the most common forms of vein disease and can lead to serious issues if left untreated. Therefore, knowing what to look for at home can make a big difference in when you get treatment.
How to check for varicose veins at home
Varicose veins are a common problem, especially among women. They are caused by weakened valves in the veins, which can allow blood to pool and cause the veins to swell. Veins that are visible just below the surface of the skin are typically varicose veins. There are several home methods that can be used to check for varicose veins, including the following:
Looking for bulging veins, especially on the inside of the leg
Examining the skin for changes in color or texture
Checking for swelling in the ankles and feet
Checking to see if you have a rash on the leg, ankles, or feet
A slightly more in-depth but still simple test you can do to look for varicose veins is to stand up and leave your leg in place for one to two minutes. If you have visible bulging veins, they should be apparent at this time. The calf of the leg is usually where varicose veins show up, but they can also be found on the thigh, knee, foot, or ankle. Veins that are taut may be squeezed away with moderate pressure applied by your finger. When you lie down, the bulges decrease while the veins don't feel as tense as before. If you raise your leg above your heart, and the veins vanish completely, those are most likely varicose veins.
If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation. Vein disease can lead to other health problems if left untreated.
How to remedy varicose veins at home
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for varicose veins, but there are some things you can do at home to help improve symptoms. One of the most helpful things is
wearing compression stockings on a daily basis. Elevating your legs when resting or watching TV can provide significant relief. This can be done by resting with your feet up on a pillow. You can also try exercises like ankle circles or heel raises, which help improve circulation.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are veins that are visible through the skin. They often look like a web of thin red or blue lines. Spider veins can form anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the legs, face, and chest.
Spider veins are blood vessels that have broken and formed in clusters just below the surface of the skin, making them easily visible. They are typically harmless and pose no serious threat, unlike varicose vein disease which might.
How to check for spider veins at home
If you notice small broken blood vessels around your knees, ankles or thighs you
likely have spider veins.
Spider veins share many of the same causes as varicose veins including:
Genetics
Sun exposure
Aging
Pregnancy
Drinking alcohol
How to remedy spider veins at home
Spider veins are usually harmless, but they can be a cosmetic concern for some people. Here are some everyday steps for prevention:
Wearing sunscreen/face protection - UV light from the sun can easily damage veins over time, so wearing a proper SPF sunscreen (that is preferably environmentally friendly) and/or some type of hat or covering can help keep your skin safe.
Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption - a high intake of alcohol can damage the liver and can enlarge veins, so reducing the amount you drink can improve vein health.
Drinking plenty of water - water does the body good and helps the blood flow properly throughout the body while getting much-needed oxygen to places it needs to be.
Investing in a proper skincare routine - making sure your skin is as healthy as possible through the use of a routine, including medicinal creams/lotions and splashing warm (not hot) water on your face, can go a long way.
Eating vein-healthy foods - foods high in Vitamin C and bioflavonoids help strengthen the veins and blood vessels in your body leading to a lower risk of vein diseases such as spider veins.
If they are concerning, there are cosmetic treatment options available. They can also be a sign of underlying vein disease so it is important to have them evaluated by a vein specialist.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep within the body. This can occur in the upper portion of your body but most commonly happens in the lower portion, specifically, in the legs. While very serious on their own, when they move, they become a life-threatening issue.
How to check for DVT at home
Here are some symptoms you can look for at home, but you should never try to
diagnose a DVT on your own:
Sudden onset of swelling in your leg
Abrupt onset of pain in your leg or calf tenderness
Recent long distance travel or injury to your leg
If you have concerns about a DVT or have been told you are at risk for developing
one, do not wait. You should call your doctor immediately!
Vein disease can be a serious issue, but it’s important to remember that there are many different types of vein disease. Checking for varicose veins and spider veins at home is a good way to get started on the treatment process, but only a vein specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options. Home treatments may help lessen the symptoms of vein disease, but they should not be considered a substitute for professional care.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.