Varicose Veins

VARICOSE VEINS

Condition

Varicose veins are swollen veins, commonly found on the legs, that are raised above the surface of the skin and may appear twisted and bulging. They may look like reddish, purple or blue cords on the back of the calf or the inside of the leg. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but are smaller, closer to the surface and are frequently found on the legs and face.

Although men can develop varicose veins, they are more common in women, affecting about 55 percent of them. Varicose veins are more likely to occur as you grow older. They also frequently develop during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. If you develop varicose veins while you are pregnant, they may come back and be even worse with future pregnancies and as you age. Symptoms associated with varicose veins may include some or all of the following:

  • chronic aching or throbbing
  • itching
  • cramping
  • a burning sensation
  • a heavy feeling in your legs
  • swelling of the legs and ankles.

In severe cases, you may develop ulcers on the skin around the varicose vein.

Causes

Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. Veins carry blood back to the heart. Leg muscles help pump blood through the leg veins toward the heart by contracting when you move about. Valves in the veins normally work to keep blood from flowing backward as it moves toward the upper body. When these valves weaken, they allow blood to pool in the vein. The pooled blood enlarges the veins, causing them to swell and bulge. Also, as you age, veins lose some of their elasticity and are more likely to stretch, becoming longer and wider. When a vein becomes wider, the valves may not close properly.

Factors that determine your chances of developing varicose veins include:

  • Heredity If you have relatives with varicose veins, you have an increased chance of getting them.
  • Increasing age. Valves in the leg veins and the walls of the leg veins weaken over time.
  • Pregnancy. The increase of blood volume during pregnancy causes veins to enlarge. And, as the uterus gets bigger, it puts increased pressure on the veins in the pelvis and legs.
  • Being overweight or standing for long periods of time.  Both put increased pressure on the leg veins, weakening the valves.
  • A history of vein problems.  People who have had vein problems such as thrombophlebitis (vein inflammation that occurs before a blood clot forms) are more likely to develop varicose veins.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR VARICOSE VEINS

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You have sudden pain, swelling or redness in your leg, especially in or around your calf. It could mean you have a blood clot in the vein. Blood clots can be dangerous because they can travel from the leg veins to the lungs, where they may prevent the lungs and heart from working properly.

Call Your Doctor During Regular Office Hours If

  • You develop an ulcer on your leg or ankle.
  • You have symptoms and need treatment for your varicose veins.
  • The way the veins look bother you and you want treatment to make your legs look better.
  • You want your doctor to write a prescription for professional, custom-fitted support hose.
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR VARICOSE VEINS

  1. Control your weight to avoid putting too much pressure on your legs.
  2. Reduce your salt intake. Too much salt can make you retain fluid and make your legs and ankles swell up.
  3. Avoid sitting or standing in one place for long periods of time. Move around every half hour or so.
  4. Avoid sitting with your legs crossed, which can impede blood flow in the legs.
  5. Elevate your feet for 15 minutes several times a day.
  6. Exercise, such as walking, helps the circulation in your legs.
  7. Wear good support hose.
  8. Avoid wearing clothes that are tight around your waist, legs or groin and that restrict circulation in your legs.

No surgery or invasive treatments are usually done to treat varicose veins during pregnancy. And in most cases, medical treatment for varicose veins is not required. For those who want or need treatment, there are several options available, including surgery, injecting the vein with a chemical to cause it to close up, laser treatments and a technique that uses radiofrequency energy to seal the vein wall. Most treatments for varicose veins can be done in a doctor's office.

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For More Information Click on the Links Below

  • MayoClinic.com Varicose Veins
  • U. S. Department of Health and Human Service, The National Women's Health Information Center, Office on Women's Health Varicose Veins

References

  • Schwartz's Principles of Surgery; 8th Edition 2005, Page 823.

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Disclaimer:

Peer-Reviewed by the Faculty of the University of Colorado Denver Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new healthcare information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional