Rethink Varicose Veins

Note: I was compensated from The Motherhood on behalf of Rethink Varicose Veins for writing this post. All opinions are my own. 

Do you have Varicose Veins? So far I’ve been lucky as I only see one little vein that’s popped out on my leg (and I wonder if it isn’t a spider vein or something else). My Mom and Sister both had Varicose Veins, though. I just thought it was something that happened to women.

What are Varicose Veins?

• More than 30 million people suffer from varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
• Less than 10% of these sufferers seek medical diagnosis and treatment
• Varicose veins occur when the valves in the leg veins no longer function, causing blood to pool in the legs

The Connection Between Varicose Veins + CVI

• Varicose veins are one of the first signs of CVI
• If left untreated, CVI can progress to worsening stages over time
• Common CVI symptoms include:
  •  Pain, aching, heaviness
  • Swelling of the legs
  • Restlessness⁴ and fatigue of the legs
  • Skin damage
  • Ulcers

Who’s At Risk?

• Pregnancy
• Prolonged Standing
• Excess Weight
• Age (50+)
• Family History
• Women are 2-to-3 times more likely than men to develop varicose veins, primarily due to pregnancy

Due to my pregnancy, excess weight and family history, I’m at risk to develop Varicose Veins.  If you think you’re at risk, you can take the self assessment test (and also enter to win a 4 day spa trip to Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson.) Take the test here: assessment quiz.

What can you do if you do have Varicose Veins?

Step 1: Ultrasound Testing & Physician Evaluation

• Every body is unique, therefore an ultrasound is needed to determine what approach is the best to treat the veins
• The ultrasound will identify where the leak is in the individual’s leg

Step 2: Minimally-invasive treatment options

• These eliminate varicose veins, improve appearance of legs and allow for a short, comfortable recovery and quick return to everyday activities
• Because varicose veins and CVI are recognized as progressive, sometimes serious medical conditions, most insurance plans will cover treatment
• Endovenous Ablation
  • Radiofrequency Ablation
    • Seals off problem vein using uniform heat to close off diseased vein
    • Lower rates of pain and bruising
• Laser Ablation
  • Delivers laser energy to heat blood, causing it to coagulate to close off the diseased vein
  • Sclerotherapy (Chemical Ablation)
    • Involves injections of chemical into diseased veins, causing veins to close
    • Used for veins that are too close to the surface
    • Multiple treatments to close damaged vein

 While Varicose Veins Are Not Preventable , These Things Do Help:

1. Managing Risk Factors

• Keeping blood pressure in check
• Controlling weight
• Staying physically active

2. Lifestyle Modifications

• No prolonged standing
• Elevating feet above thighs when sitting; above heart when lying down
• Strengthening calf muscles

  3. Compression Stockings

• Provide graduated compression from ankle to the knee or thigh to help reduce pain and swelling
• Only help manage symptoms

As a thank you for supporting our Rethink Varicose Veins campaign, I am giving away 10 free music downloads to one winner. There are many different genres of music to choose from and all music downloaded can be played on any MP3 player (iPod), mobile devices (iPhone, Android, etc) and on a PC or a Mac in iTunes or any other program that can be used to play an MP3. Enter below on the Rafflecopter form:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

To find out more about Varicose Veins and to read Summer Sanders, Olympic Gold Medalist, story, please visit Rethink Varicose Veins site. You can also learn more at our Varicose Veins Twitter Party:

#Rethink Varicose Twitter Party Details

What: More than 30 million Americans suffer from varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).*,**

Because there is a prevailing misconception that varicose veins are a cosmetic issue, only 10 percent of people who suffer from vein disease actually seek treatment.*** That’s why we’re getting together to share knowledge and break myths about this common, yet serious condition!

Rethink Varicose Veins is a campaign that encourages individuals to think differently about varicose veins and understand that if left untreated, they can progress to a more serious form of venous disease known as CVI.

Summer Sanders, U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist, television correspondent, blogger and busy mother-of-two will be sharing her personal experience with vein disease, how she treated the condition head-on and her role in the Rethink Varicose Veins campaign.

Join this party to learn about the signs, symptoms and risk factors of varicose veins and CVI and latest minimally-invasice treatment options available.

Trivia questions will be asked throughout the Twitter Party and five lucky winners who answer the questions correctly will receive a $50 VISA gift card from The Motherhood.

When: Thursday, July 18 at 2 p.m. ET (the party will last one hour)

Where: We’ll be on Twitter – follow the #RethinkVaricose hashtag to track the conversation. You can see the details and RSVP via this Twtvite:  http://twtvite.com/rethinkvaricose

Hashtag: #RethinkVaricose

Prizes: We will be giving away five $50 VISA gift cards

Hosts: @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann and @SummerSanders_

Rethink Varicose Veins website – http://www.rethinkvaricoseveins.com 

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/rethinkvaricoseveins 

Twitter – https://twitter.com/RethinkVaricose