One of the things that I heard when I was pregnant was that gaining too much weight would cause varicose veins. This was something that really stuck with me, and while I have found it that it is not true, it did get me thinking about vein disease, and wondering what does cause it.
Currently, more than 80 million Americans suffer from vein disease, and most of the time (80% to be exact), it is genetic.
While this does give a bit of a starting place, there is still that other 20% percent that seem to get it “out of nowhere”.
Even more startling is that you can have vein disease and not see anything wrong. Pains, fatigue, cramping and swelling are all signs that you may have something pretty serious going on that just hasn’t made it to the surface yet. Often times, the first signs that people see with vein disease are small spider veins at the bottom of their leg. These small, visible spider veins are usually the first signs of a bigger problem, and are caused by a larger vein that isn’t visible in the top of the leg.
Because vein disease can sometimes be hard to spot, it is very important to see a doctor that utilizes ultrasound in their diagnosis. This will give a more accurate diagnosis and allow you to receive treatment that will provide long-term results.
One of the best ways to keep your veins healthy is to be aware of vein disease. Learn the signs and symptoms, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions. If you do suffer from varicose veins, finding the right doctor to treat it is key.
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