What are Varicose Veins?

The return of blood from the feet to the heart represents a unique challenge to the body. One of the most important ways the body prevents blood from falling back down to the feet is with the use of valves. Valves act as one way doorways which continue the movement of blood back to the heart. Varicose veins can be formed when these valves are no longer able to function normally.

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Varicose veins are any veins which have become enlarged or twisted from any number of reasons. The most common area affected by these veins are your legs and feet. This occurs as a result of long periods spent standing and walking. The pressure exerted by these activities cause irreverisible injury to the valves in the legs and feet.

Varicose veins can range in size from thin cobweb like strands to thick ropy cords. Although many veins are cosmetic and embarassing, some varicose veins can cause severe pain or health concerns like ulcers.

Varicose veins are found in almost 60% of Americans. Women tend to have more problems because of the extra pressure exerted during pregnancy. Many women develop large unsightly veins following the birth of their children. Men are susceptible to developing varicose veins and often require treatment to relieve pain.

Symptoms of varicose veins may include:

An achy feeling in your legs, also burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs. Prolonged sitting or standing tends to make your legs feel worse.

Itching around one or more of your veins.

Skin ulcers near your ankle, which represent a severe form of vascular disease and require immediate attention.

Varicose veins are dark purple or blue in color and usually appear twisted and bulging — like cords. They commonly appear on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the legs. But, they can form anywhere on your legs, from your groin down to your ankle.

Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins. Spider veins are found closer to the skin's surface and are often red or blue. Although they also occur on the legs, they can also be found on the face. Spider veins often look like a spider's web or a tree branch.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Blood is continuously recirculated throughout your body. Blood receives oxygen at the heart and is pumped to every cell in your body. Returning that blood is a unique challenge which is solved by your body in many different ways. The veins which return blood contain one-way valves which aids in the gradual return of blood. Muscles in the legs act as pumps which squeeze the blood through the valves. The elastic tone in the veins aids in gentle return of blood.

With age, we lose the elasticity of the vein walls. Additionally, prolonged standing and walking exerts greater pressure on the valves which combine to cause a malfunction of the body's ability to return blood properly. As the blood is no longer being squeezed in one direction, it tends to pool in certain areas of enlarging veins. Because the body has already used the oxygen, the pooled blood has a blue appearance.

Pregnancy is another cause of varicose veins. Your body increases the amount of blood circulating through your body to accomodate your baby's needs. During this time, there is additional pressure exerted on the pelvis which decreases the flow of blood out of your legs. Varicose veins may first surface or become significantly larger during the final trimester of pregnancy.

Risk factors of Varicose Veins

Some of the symptoms of varicose veins can be ameliorated with compression stockings. To function properly, these stockings should be worn virtually any time you anticipate prolonged standing or walking. Stockings will not correct or heal varicose veins, but they may slow their growth and control some of the pain. The risk of some knee high stockings is a slight increase in the risk of developing blood clots deep in the calf.

You should seek advice from our physicians at any time you wish to discuss treatment options for any visible or bothersome veins of the legs.

When to seek medical advice

Self-help measures can help you ease the pain of varicose veins and may prevent them from getting worse. But if you're concerned about how your veins look and feel see your doctor.