Varicose Veins Could Prove Fatal to Seniors!
Varicose veins are a huge nuisance for any adult. Not only are the affected veins unsightly, they could also lead to symptoms like itching, pain and fatigue that can hinder your quality of life. On top of that, varicose veins could lead to conditions that are more difficult to cure. This is especially true for the elderly. Seniors are advised to have their varicose veins checked and treated at the first sight of these bulky, blue menaces. Moreover, seniors should visit a leg doctor more frequently, as varicose veins can develop under the skin, without any visible signs.
In this article, we are going to explain why varicose veins are particularly dangerous for seniors and give more detail on how to prevent a fatal outcome.
Varicose Veins in seniors
A varicose vein develops when a one-way blood valve fails. These valves are meant to keep blood flowing towards the heart. But, when this system malfunctions the blood comes rushing back and pools inside the vein. The result is the unsightly, swollen blood vessel. This could happen in any part of the body, but most often occurs in the legs because it is where gravity affects blood flow the most.These blue lines are unmistakably diagnosed with the naked eye. Furthermore, seniors with varicose veins may feel their legs get heavier coupled by a constant burning sensation. This condition could also lead to throbbing, cramps, pain and cause the legs to swell. There are many ways to ease the symptoms, but there’s only one way to get rid of the issue permanently, which is through proper vein treatments.
Complications in Seniors
One of the most common conditions that develop as a result of a vascular vein disease is vein inflammation or phlebitis. This condition usually affects the larger veins and could even lead to a potentially fatal condition like deep vein thrombosis. DVT occurs when the clot formed in the leg travels to the vital areas of the body through the circulatory system.
According to the CDC, of 900,000 Americans potentially affected by deep vein thrombosis annually, anywhere between 60,000 to 100,000 patients fall victims to the condition. Even worse, between 10 to 30% of them die within a month after they have been diagnosed with the condition. Even if the condition does not prove fatal, it could lead to other complications and recur within the next 10 years, CDC warns.
This condition is even more likely to develop and be fatal to seniors, as seniors’ bodies are particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases.
How Can Seniors Prevent this Condition?
One of the leading reasons varicose veins and DVT are so common in seniors is decreased physical activity. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent varicose veins from ever developing and leading to a potentially fatal condition is to get seniors to exercise regularly. One of the main reasons seniors don’t exercise is a lack of muscle strength.
According to experts at A Better Way at Home Care, “adults over forty lose about three to five percent of their muscle mass, which keeps slowly degrading as years go by. As each decade of our lives passes, the muscles become weaker. “
Now, we know it might be hard to convince anyone to develop a habit of exercising, especially at that age. But, we’re not talking weightlifting or CrossFit. A simple walk around the block every day will do the trick and get the blood flowing.
Fortunately, the more seniors exercise the more they will feel their muscle strength return. Suddenly, a regular and more demanding exercise routine might not seem as far-fetched as before. Motivating seniors to develop this healthy habit will not only help prevent DVT and the development of varicose veins but give their immune system and overall health a significant boost.
Other prevention methods like proper hydration, regular check-ups with a vein doctor and wearing supportive stockings can help keep this malicious condition at bay. There are many risk factors that could make a person susceptible to this condition, genetics being the main one, but through proper prevention and timely diagnostics, fatal complications are easily avoided.
Possible Complications Of Varicose Veins?
As was already noted, varicose veins are generally not harmful. Any disorder that impairs blood flow, however, raises the possibility of health issues. Although uncommon, varicose veins can cause:
- Bleeding
- Blood clots can cause thrombophlebitis, an inflammatory disorder of the veins.
- Chronic venous insufficiency is a disorder in which insufficient blood flow prevents
- the skin from exchanging wastes, nutrients, and oxygen with the blood. Although
- varicose veins do not directly cause the disease, the two disorders are nevertheless linked.
How Should Older Adults Care For Their Skin If They Have Varicose Veins?
Caring for skin is really important for older adults, since compared to young people their skin has lost its elasticity and isn’t as strong. Here are some tips that can help them protect their skin after developing varicose veins:
- Keep Skin Moisturized
Make sure to use a good moisturizer everyday to prevent dryness and cracking of the skin as it makes the skin more vulnerable to infections and injury.
- Avoid Scratching
Having an itchy skin can be problematic when you have varicose veins, but varicose veins can cause itching too, but no matter what happens you mustn’t scratch your skin too much, as it can cause injury, infection and even bleeding, which isn’t great for older skin at all.
- Alleviate Your Legs:
Keep your legs alleviated whenever you rest, it helps reducing swelling and promotes a healthy blood circulation. Discomfort and pain will be reduced a lot, so do not forget this tips whenever the varicose veins start hurting.
- Protection From Sun
Sun rays, especially UV rays are really harmful for those suffering from varicose veins, as it can directly damage them and cause problems like hyperpigmentation. Sometimes these rays can even make it harder for your veins to heal too, so wear sunscreen when going out.
- Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is healthy, reduces swelling, promotes a healthy blood circulation and keeps your skin clear, so consider drinking it often from now on.
- Avoid Tight Clothing
Tight clothes restricts blood vessels and veins, which is one common cause of varicose veins. So make sure to avoid them especially in the leg area, your veins will thank you.
- Daily Exercise
Daily exercises like walking are great for your skin and varicose veins as it improves blood circulation by keeping them active, it also promotes healthy lifestyle!
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