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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 Varicose veins: What causes them? What can you do? By Sarah Jackson, Herald staff Wear and tear caused by aging and athletics, genetics, obesity and standing for long periods of time predispose many people to varicose veins. Women suffer from them more commonly because of hormonal changes during pregnancy, premenstruation and menopause. Over time veins slowly lose elasticity, causing them to stretch and their valves to malfunction, allowing blood that should be moving toward the heart to flow backward, which can eventually cause swollen and lumpy veins. Though they can show up anywhere on the legs, varicose veins typically appear on the backs of calves or on the inside of legs. They're usually dark purple or blue and may appear twisting and bulging like cords. Symptoms of varicose veins, according to the Mayo Clinic, include achy or heavy-feeling legs, as well as burning, throbbing, muscle cramping, swelling or itching around veins. Skin ulcers near the ankle represent a severe form of vascular disease and require immediate attention. Try some of the following tricks to prevent or minimize varicose veins: Exercise: Get your legs moving. Walking is a great way to encourage blood circulation in your legs. Watch your weight and diet: Shedding excess pounds takes unnecessary pressure off your veins. What you eat makes a difference, too. Follow a low-salt, high-fiber diet to prevent the swelling that may result from water retention and constipation. Watch what you wear: Avoid high heels. Low-heeled shoes work calf muscles more, which is better for your veins. Don't wear tight clothes around your waist, legs or groin. Elevate your legs: To improve venous circulation, take several short breaks daily to elevate your legs above the level of your heart. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing: Make a point of changing your position frequently to encourage blood flow. Try to move around at least every 30 minutes. Don't sit with your legs crossed: This position can aggravate circulation problems. Compression stockings: One of the best ways to prevent varicose veins is to wear compression socks or stockings, which help with blood and lymph circulation. Compression socks can also be a method of self-care for people with varicose veins that are not severe. Staff at medical and specialty stores, such as the businesses listed below, can help fit patients for the right size, color and style. Althea's Footwear Solutions, 3102 Colby Ave., Everett; 425-303-0108; altheasfootwearsolutions.com. Cornerstone Prosthetics, 1300 44th St. SE, Everett; 425-339-2559; www.cornerstonepo.com. Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. See www.mayoclinic.com/health/varicose-veins/DS00256.

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