Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Spring 2019

12 VITALITY Spring 2019 VEIN HEALTH VARICOSE VEINS What you can do about them Varicose veins are so common that about half of people over age 50 have them. Typically, these swollen veins that bulge above the skin show up in the legs. And for many people, they’re simply a cosmetic concern. But they can also cause an aching pain and swelling in the legs—and sometimes more serious problems, such as blood clots and ulcers. What causes them? Normally, one-way valves in the leg veins keep blood moving up toward the heart. But if they don’t work properly, they allow blood to back up in the vein. Blood then pools, causing the vein to swell. This often happens because a valve has stretched over years, which is why varicose veins become more common with age. Carrying extra pounds also raises risk, as does sitting or standing for long periods of time. And more women than men have varicose veins. Getting help If you’re having pain—even a dull ache—in any varicose veins, tell your doctor. Also get medical help if: »» The vein bleeds or becomes swollen, red, very tender or warm to the touch. »» The skin on your ankle and calf thickens and changes color. »» You have leg sores. To manage varicose veins, your doctor may advise steps as simple as wearing compression stockings or sitting or standing less. But if your symptoms don’t improve—or you don’t like the way varicose veins look—other treatments are effective, including chemical injections, minimally invasive radiofrequency vein ablations and surgery, all of which can be performed in the office with local anesthesia. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; Office on Women’s Health CMHOFFERS PERIODIC FREEVEINSCREENINGS, but if you are having symptoms, don’t wait to feel better. Call CMHWound and Hyperbaric Center at 417-326-8700 for an appointment. Do your legs ever ache after you walk awhile? And does the pain ease if you stop to rest? That could be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD)—poor circulation to your legs and feet. PAD usually develops over a period of years when blood vessels in the lower body narrow due to a buildup of cholesterol and fat. Other possible signs and symptoms of PAD include slow-healing toe, foot or leg sores; one leg feeling colder than the other; and a lack of leg hair or toenail growth. PAD is a serious disease—painful walking isn’t its only consequence. It also raises the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. And in the most extreme cases, blocked arteries can lead to gangrene and foot or leg amputations. Anyone can get PAD, but it’s more common among older adults and those with risk factors including smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. SPEAK UP Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of PAD. A simple test is used to diagnose the disease. If you are found to have PAD, treatments can reduce your walking-related symptoms, lower your heart attack and stroke risk, and help keep PAD from getting worse. Treatments include exercise programs, medications and surgery to restore blood flow to your legs. Sources: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Get in step with treating PAD Don’t ignore this painful leg disease PAD is a serious disease—painful walking isn’t its only consequence. It also raises the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. ➜