When I saw this pic of 30-year-old singer Beyonce walking beside her husband Jay Z in Australia, my eye was immediately drawn to the faint spider vein on the back of her right leg (behind her knee). It appears that Beyonce is in the early stages of developing varicose veins.
Right away, I saw a teaching opportunity to inform my young readers who may not know that varicose veins can affect women as early as age 30.
The following is from The Mayo Clinic website:
Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins. Any vein may become varicose, but the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs and feet. That’s because standing and walking upright increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body.
For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a common, mild variation of varicose veins — are simply a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes varicose veins lead to more-serious problems. Varicose veins may also signal a higher risk of other circulatory problems. Treatment may involve self-care measures or procedures by your doctor to close or remove veins.
Signs and symptoms
- Veins that are dark purple or blue in color
- Can form anywhere on your leg from your groin to your ankle
- Veins that appear twisted and bulging; often like cords on your legs
- An achy or heavy feeling in your legs
- Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs
- Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
- Itching around one or more of your veins
Treatment
Self-care — such as exercising, losing weight, not wearing tight clothes, elevating your legs, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting — can ease pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse. Compression stockings also may help.
Wearing compression stockings is often the first approach to try before moving on to other treatments. Compression stockings are worn all day. They steadily squeeze your legs, helping veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently. The amount of compression varies by type and brand.
Disclaimer:
Any medical information published on this blog is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider.
