What is varicose veins

In recent years, various diseases among the elderly have tended to become younger, among which varicose veins is a disease with a higher incidence rate in the elderly. Although varicose veins do not cause major physical symptoms in the early stages of the disease, once varicose veins develop to a serious level, they may cause diseases such as blood clots, which will affect the patient's ability to use their lower limbs normally and may even be life-threatening. But why do varicose veins occur in older people?

What causes varicose veins?

The incidence of varicose veins has been very high in recent years. In the early stage, the symptoms are only prominent curved veins or soreness and discomfort in the calves. As the disease progresses, complications such as "cramps", itching, pain, dermatitis, pigmentation, thrombosis, rupture and bleeding may gradually appear. Eventually, difficult-to-heal ulcers may form, commonly known as "old rotten legs", which may lead to amputation or even life-threatening. It can be avoided if timely treatment is given.

Varicose veins in the lower legs are more common in women, who are twice as likely to develop varicose veins as men. The occurrence of varicose veins is related to physical constitution and genetics. Obesity, pregnancy, effective standing, taking female hormone drugs, increased abdominal pressure and aging are also factors that induce varicose veins in the lower legs. According to statistics, the incidence of varicose veins in the next generation of parents with varicose veins is twice that of ordinary people. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the treatment of varicose veins in the lower legs.

Varicose veins precautions:

1. It often occurs in people who engage in standing work or physical labor for a long time.

2. People with a family history of simple varicose veins usually develop the disease shortly after puberty. Therefore, during childhood and adolescence, they should engage in appropriate physical exercise to strengthen the venous walls while improving their overall physical fitness.

3. Measures to protect superficial veins include: People who engage in standing work or heavy physical labor for a long time should wear elastic stockings to protect the superficial veins so that they can be in a collapsed state. People who work in a standing position for a long time should walk frequently and do more ankle flexion and extension exercises to reduce the pressure in the superficial veins. Improve working conditions and reduce labor intensity

4. After varicose vein surgery, please note: wear elastic stockings or use elastic bandages when working or doing activities to prevent trauma. After one hour of work or activity, the affected limb should be elevated for a while to promote venous return, reduce the pressure in the varicose veins, and prevent rupture and bleeding. The patient needs to stay in bed for 7-10 days after the operation, with the affected limb elevated slightly above the level of the heart. If the incision oozes blood severely, cover it with a dressing and apply local pressure bandage. Immobilize for 24 hours after the operation and apply pressure with an elastic bandage. Gradually relax the bandage the next day while performing foot and toe activities. Keep wound dressings clean and dry. Use antibiotics and hemostatics as prescribed and observe their effects.