Mercy's vascular specialists offer a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis, treatment and management of varicose veins, which are twisted, dilated veins that are most commonly located in the lower extremities. Risk factors include chronic cough, constipation, family history of vein disease, female gender, obesity, old age, pregnancy, and long-term standing. The exact pathophysiology is debated, but it involves a genetic predisposition, incompetent valves, weakened vascular walls, and increased intravenous pressure. Symptoms of varicose veins include a feeling of heaviness and pain, itching or burning, and worsening when standing for a long time.
Possible complications include infection, leg ulcers, stasis changes, and thrombosis. Conservative treatment options include avoiding standing and straining for a long time, elevating the affected leg, exercising, external compression, loosening restrictive clothing, medical treatment, modifying cardiovascular risk factors, reducing peripheral edema, and weight loss. The most aggressive treatments include external laser treatment, injection sclerotherapy, intravenous interventions, and surgery. Comparative data on treatment outcomes are limited. There is little evidence to preferentially support a single treatment modality.
The choice of treatment depends on symptoms, patient preference, cost, the possibility of iatrogenic complications, available medical resources, insurance reimbursement and physician training. In addition to these treatments for varicose veins and venous insufficiency in St. Louis Missouri, dietary changes can also be beneficial. Eating foods rich in flavonoids can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation in the veins. Flavonoids are found in many fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, blueberries and kale.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish such as salmon and tuna as well as nuts and seeds like walnuts and flaxseeds. Eating foods high in fiber can also help reduce inflammation and improve circulation by promoting regular bowel movements. Foods high in fiber include whole grains such as oats and quinoa as well as legumes like beans and lentils. In addition to dietary changes that can help treat vein diseases in St.
Louis Missouri, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle overall. Regular exercise can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the veins. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the strain on the veins in the legs. Wearing compression stockings can also help reduce swelling and discomfort in the legs by providing external support to the veins.
Eating foods rich in flavonoids
, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber can be beneficial for treating varicose veins and venous insufficiency in St.Louis Missouri. Flavonoids are found in many fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, blueberries and kale while omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish such as salmon and tuna as well as nuts and seeds like walnuts and flaxseeds. Foods high in fiber include whole grains such as oats and quinoa as well as legumes like beans and lentils. In addition to dietary changes it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle overall with regular exercise and a healthy weight as well as wearing compression stockings to provide external support to the veins.
