What Are Varicose Veins?

 

Varicose veins are distended twisted ropy veins, most often found on legs. The word “varicose” originated from a Latin root “varix” for twisted.  They are veins belonging to the superficial venous network that no longer function properly due to failure of their internal valves. Thus, the blood flow in them is much slower than normal, resulting in stagnation and backpressure, causing problems in surrounding tissues. Although varicose veins are not necessarily painful, examples of problems they cause are leg swelling, skin discoloration, and skin ulcers.   Between 10% and 20% of people have varicose veins.. They usually occur after the age of 30, and become worse with age. Women are affected 2-3 times more frequently than men; half of them have a family history of varicose veins.

 

What Causes Varicose Veins?

 

Varicose veins occur when valves that direct blood flow through them towards the heart fail to function properly. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including: Congenital absence ov the valves Female sex – varicose veins are 2-3 times more frequent in women then in men Conditions causing weakening of the tissues forming valves and vein walls, causing vessel dilatation and valve prolapse: Aging Poor nutrition Conditions causing increase in venous pressure in the legs Being overweight Pregnancy Standing for long periods of time Clot within the deep venous system Pelvic tumors

 

Symptoms and Complications of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins may or may not cause symptoms. The symptoms they may cause include leg heaviness, pain, cramps, swelling, skin discoloration with or without itching, and skin ulcers.

Diagnosing Varicose Veins

Most often patients diagnose their own varicose veins. The presentation may range from spider veins and streaky reticular veins, to bulging and twisted large varixes. Further details of the condition can be investigated using ultrasound and x-ray investigation to determine the nature of the defect, and to ascertain that the deep venous system is functioning properly.

Treatment of varicose veins

Varicose veins can’t be cured, but they can be treated effectively.

Treatment relieves symptoms such as pain and swelling, improves appearance (vessels become invisible), and manages complications such as skin deterioration and ulceration.

Spider veins, reticular veins, and smaller varixes can be treated with sclerotherapy. This involves injecting a sclerosing solution or foam into the affected vein, usually followed by compression with a compressive stocking, causing the treated vessels to collapse and to scar-up, becoming invisible. Smaller vessels can be treated with laser trans-cutaneously. Larger vessels can be treated surgically or with intra-vascular laser or radiofrequency devices.

Preventing Varicose Veins

While it’s to late for you to change your ancestors, there are still some things you can do to decrease your chances of developing varicose veins, and if you already have varicose veins there are still things you can do to decrease your symptoms and to slow down progression of your condition:

• Lose weight – this will decrease the extra pressure from the veins in your legs
• Exercise – walking will improve blood flow in your legs through the “muscle pump” action
• Avoid long periods of standing or sitting – avoid situations where blood pools and stagnates in your legs
• Avoid high heels – lower heel shoes will make your calf muscles work more. Contractions of these muscles will massage your veins,  facilitating flow of blood upwards toward the heart.
• Elevate your legs - whenever possible, sit down and elevate your legs above your heart level, to drain blood from your legs towards the heart.