What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins under the skin that appear as bluish or dark purple colored streaks. They are most common in the legs or calves and the lower body and may indicate serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blockage in the deeper veins. They are the result of weakened valves and veins in the affected area.
The weakening of valves may be due to overstretching or loss of elasticity, causing blood to flow backward and causing blood accumulation in the veins The accumulation causes the veins to swell and enlarge. Development of varicose veins may happen if you are overweight, stand for long periods of time, had a stroke previously or have a family history of varicose veins.
What are symptoms of Varicose Veins?
- Achy or heavy feeling in your legs
- Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs
- Itching around one or more of your veins
- Skin discoloration around a varicose vein
- Veins that appear twisted and bulging; they are often like cords on your legs
- Veins that are dark purple or blue in color
- Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
What are the causes of Varicose Veins?
Varicose Veins are a result of weakened or damaged valves in your blood vessels. The veins in your leg will have to work against gravity to transport blood back to your heart, if valves in these veins are weakened or damaged, it'll lead to the blood flowing backwards and pool in your veins.
What are the risk factors of Varicose Veins?
Some common risk factors of Varicose Veins include:
- Obesity: Obesity is the leading cause of Varicose Veins by putting extra pressure on the veins in your legs, making it harder to pump blood back to your heart.
- Family history: If you have a family member with Varicose Veins, your chances of having it is higher.
- Age: Aging causes wear and tear on the valves of your veins. Over time, this wear and tear will result in blood flowing backwards in your veins.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop these conditions. As hormones tend to relax vein walls, hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause may result in Varicose Veins.
- Standing for long periods of time: Standing for long periods of time can increase the risk of developing varicose veins. This is because blood pools in your leg veins due to gravity when you are standing. This increases pressure in your veins, which can weaken the vein walls and damage the valves that help move blood back to your heart.
How are Varicose Veins diagnosed?
Physical Exam
A physical exam will be done to check the legs for swelling and pain when standing.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are done with ultrasound to examine the veins in the legs and lower body and to check for evidence of blood clots.
