Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, bulgy veins that you can clearly see above the surface of the skin. They’re found most commonly in the legs, but not always.

Varicose veins aren’t always just directly under the skin–they often occur deeper underneath the skin’s surface where you can’t easily see them. This is where vein disease can lay hidden, worsening over time, so it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of varicose vein disease so you can seek the expertise of a vascular specialist. In order to successfully manage varicose vein disease, it must be treated at the source.

Aside from an unpleasant appearance, symptoms and warning signs of varicose veins can include: pain, fatigue, itching, burning, swelling, cramping, restlessness, and throbbing.

Appearance

Large, bulging, rope-like; color varies

Location

Usually legs, rarely arms

Severity

Moderate, and indicative of vein disease

Discomfort

Moderate; frequently a problem

Varicose veins are caused by unhealthy valves inside the veins that impede the normal flow of blood back to the heart. Blood pools in the veins, enlarging and distorting them. Watch the video below and learn more about varicose veins and the available treatment options.

Many of us will eventually encounter vein health issues. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 10 men and 1 in 3 women are currently suffering from varicose vein disease. Varicose vein disease is progressive and often hereditary so if your parents or grandparents have or had varicose veins, you are at risk to develop them, too. If you become pregnant or have a job or lifestyle that requires standing in place for long periods of time, this may worsen the condition.

The most common risk factors for varicose veins include:

• Obesity. Being overweight puts extra pressure on the veins.
• Age. Because vein disease is progressive, older people who have not received appropriate treatment often have advanced varicose vein disease.
• Pregnancy. In order to support the growth of a baby, blood volume nearly doubles during pregnancy. This additional blood volume leads to increased pressure on the veins and delicate valves which can cause them to fail, creating varicose veins.
• Genetics. The chances of developing varicose veins increases if others in the family suffer from them.
• Sedentary lifestyle. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time causes blood to pool in the veins of the leg which over time causes the veins to stretch, damaging the valves which leads to varicose vein disease.
• Gender. Due to hormonal changes women experience during pregnancy and menopause, varicose veins are more likely to occur in women.

Though not all varicose vein risk factors can be avoided, lifestyle changes can help improve vein health, slow the progression of varicose vein disease, and provide some much needed symptom relief. Below are a few lifestyle changes to help with varicose vein disease:

• Exercise. Movement helps promote healthy blood flow. Even something as simple as walking can do wonders for your veins.
• Diet. By eating a diet full of fiber and low in salt, processed foods and sugar, vein health is able to improve.
• Changing position. Keep from being sedentary in sitting or standing for too long by switching up positions.
• Elevate legs. Raising legs above the heart aids veins in circulating blood by alleviating pressure and stress.
• Wear compression stockings. These socks help support blood flow while also decreasing pressure inside the veins, and ultimately relieve common varicose vein symptoms such as pain and swelling

So if you notice your pain, aching, throbbing, tiredness, or restlessness in your legs, especially in the evening or if you have started noticing spider veins, swelling, or maybe even a varicose vein or two, schedule a consultation with a physician who is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of varicose vein disease. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can be on your way to recovery.

Varicose vein disease diagnosis is done through a combination of a physician exam and discussion with a provider specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of vein diseases, as well as a thorough ultrasound, performed by a highly trained, credentialed ultrasound technologist.

Varicose veins and their underlying cause are quite treatable, and it’s our specialty at Vein Clinics of America. We offer patients two main varicose vein treatment procedures – both quick, minimally invasive, and requiring no hospitalization – that seal off veins with unhealthy valves. Blood circulation then returns to the veins with properly working valves, and closed veins are eventually absorbed back into the body.