Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are known as abnormally and irregularly swollen veins (the blood vessels that return blood to the heart from the body tissues). The most common form of varicose veins progresses downward in either or both of the two large veins near the surface of the leg.

Varicose veins have been known to be one of the most common problems of blood vessels. About 15% of all American adults eventually develop some form of this condition, but the condition occurs four times more often in women than in men.

Varicose veins are a condition that develops over time, but once they appear, the progression will not be alleviated without outside help. Sometimes hormonally triggered, pregnancy is not a cause, but varicose veins tend to develop or worsen during pregnancy. This is due in part to increased pressure from the uterus on the pelvic and leg veins, increasing the blood volume and changing hormones.

Causes and Risk Factors of Varicose Veins

Weakened vein walls – with age, the walls of the veins tend to lose their elasticity. This weakening is known as ballooning out, or stretching.

Valve failure – when veins become stretched, valves in the veins will fail. These valves normally help keep blood flowing from the legs and arms back to the heart. If vein walls are systematically weakened and stretched, they spread apart. These valves may no longer keep blood flowing upward against gravity, resulting in stagnate blood in veins.

Vein damage - Damage can be due in part to injury, blood clot formation or inflammation. Symptoms associated with deep vein issues will accompany pain and swelling in the lower limbs as well. Swollen surface veins may be a sign of damage to deep veins

Varicose veins on the surface of the legs are not usually associated with dangerous blood clots that may travel to your heart or lungs, causing an embolism. Any clot that forms near the surface will generally be small, although there may be inflammation, the clot does not seriously threaten one’s health.

Symptoms

Aching – Legs may ache and feel fatigued if sitting or standing for lengthy periods of time.

Disfigurement - Veins can bulge or appear twisted to a certain point or for the entire length of the leg, or the alternative may be a slight outline of bluish veins. If the condition is severe, the skin covering the legs may become swollen, dry or irritated. This can lead to a formation of brownish discoloration in the lower leg region.

Itching – The skin can become dry and irritated over the vein.

Inflammation - Sections of the vein may become engorged with blood; swollen, firm, red and tender after long periods of sitting or standing. This is a condition known as phlebitis.

Bleeding - Relatively uncommon, varicose veins may be injured by a nick or cut due to their large size, in relation to the surface of the skin and often covered by thin skin.

Ulcers – Demonstrated as open sores. They may appear near the ankles, where swelling can also be apparent.

Treatment of Varicose Veins

For those with mild symptoms, an initial step would be to compress leg veins by means of support stockings. This is a simple measure serving to squeeze the blood out of the engorged vein, reducing the size. There are some brands of compression hose that provide greater support around the ankles and lower legs (where varicose veins tend to be the longest and the most painful). These stockings can extend to the upper thigh and groin, but for many, the advantage of providing pressure and relief to the entire leg is offset by the discomfort and expense of these compressive stockings.

There are alternative treatments for those who cannot be treated with the hose, and should be discussed at length with your healthcare practitioner.

Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician