Frequently Asked Questions About Varicose Veins
Some of the more frequently asked questions about varicose veins include:
What Are Varicose Veins
- Varicose veins are a mild form of venous disease that is caused by valve dysfunction in the veins of your legs. When varicose veins form, the leg veins are unable to properly pump blood back to your heart causing the blood to pool and resulting in the veins near the skin surface to bulge.
Are Varicose Veins Common
- Varicose veins affect approximately 20% of adults in the United States and up to 30% of adults worldwide. While varicose veins are one of the most common of the circulatory conditions, they are more prevalent in certain population demographics.
Is Having Varicose Veins Serious
- While varicose veins are generally not a serious medical condition, severe cases of the disease can lead to other health complications such as:
- Superficial thrombophlebitis which is a painful inflammation of the veins near the skin surface caused by blood clots.
- Bleeding can occur when the skin over a varicose vein becomes thin and fragile and is prone to breaking.
- Venous ulcers (open sores) can form on the skin, typically near the ankles, and are the result pressure caused by pooled blood.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which is a blood clot in a deep vein, that carries a higher risk of traveling to the lungs.
What Are Common Varicose Vein Symptoms
- The most common varicose veins symptoms include:
- swollen feet, ankles and legs
- feeling of heaviness, cramping or aching in your legs
- itching or burning of the skin around the veins
- changes in skin color near the affected veins
What Is The Best Treatment For Varicose Veins
- The most common treatment for varicose veins is using compression therapy to help reduce swelling and the discomfort that you may be feeling in your legs.
How To Reverse Varicose Veins
- Once it develops, there is no way to fully reverse varicose veins. The only way to manage (treat) varicose veins is through one of the prescribed varicose vein remedies such as compression therapy.
Will I Develop A Vein Ulcer From Varicose Veins
- In the early stages of varicose vein formation a venous insufficiency ulcer typically won't develop. However, if your condition is left undiagnosed and proper varicose veins is not performed, the condition may become more severe and can result in the formation of a venous ulceration.
Is There A Special Diet For Varicose Veins
- Weight management is a key element for preventing and managing varicose veins. While there is no special diet for varicose veins, you should consult with your healthcare provider to develop an exercise and dietary regimen that will help you manage your weight.
What Is The Varicose Vein ICD 10 Code
- The primary varicose vein ICD 10 diagnosis code is I83. ICD 10 diagnosis codes specific to the affected limbs also exist. It is important that you consult with your healthcare provider for the exact ICD 10 diagnosis code for your particular situation. The ICD-10 medical coding system is used to classify diseases, symptoms and other health conditions.
Read more about Varicose Veins: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.
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