What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that occur when there is an increase in pressure within the vein walls. This may result from prolonged standing, pregnancy, obesity, or any condition which increases venous return (blood flow back to heart).

Varicose veins usually appear on legs, thighs, buttocks, ankles, and sometimes arms. These veins often look blue-purple due to the presence of dilated superficial veins.

There are two types of varicose veins; superficial and deep. Superficial varicose veins appear on the surface of the skin and do not require treatment. Deep veins are located deeper in the body and usually require surgery for removal.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are small red or purple lines that appear on the skin. These tiny blood vessels are often found near the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are larger and more noticeable. They occur when one-way valves inside the vein become damaged. This prevents the flow of blood back towards the heart. As a result, blood pools in the legs and feet.

Spider veins are usually harmless, although they may cause discomfort. However, varicose veins can lead to swelling, itching, pain, and ulcers. If left untreated, these conditions can worsen over time.

The best way to treat spider veins is to prevent them from forming in the first place. To do this, you can apply a topical cream containing vitamin K. Vitamin K helps keep the capillary walls healthy.

You can also wear compression stockings to help reduce the amount of pressure on the veins. Compression stockings are made of elastic material and fit snugly against the body.

In addition, you can avoid standing for long periods of time. This reduces the strain on the veins. Avoiding prolonged sitting and lying down after meals can also help.

Finally, you can perform exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling to strengthen muscles and improve circulation.

What Are Risk Factors?

There are two main reasons why leg veins occur:

1. Increase in blood flow which puts pressure on the vein walls. This makes them swell and become enlarged.
2. There may be a problem with the valves inside the vein. These valves help keep the blood flowing smoothly. When these valves do not function properly, the blood backs up and accumulates inside the vein.

Poor circulation may result from:

• obesity,
• pregnancy,
• prolonged standing,
• lack of exercise,
• smoking,
• diabetes, and
• aging.

In addition, genetics plays a role in whether someone develops varicose veins. Female hormones may play certain role as scientists have discover that they relax vein walls.

Veins during pregnancy

Pregnancy affects women in more ways than we could possibly imagine. One of which is varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen blood vessels that occur when there is an increase in pressure within the vein walls. This increased pressure results in swelling and discoloration of the skin.

Varicose veins are common during pregnancy because the extra weight placed upon the lower extremities increases the pressure inside the veins. Pregnant women may also experience leg cramps due to the added strain put on the muscles and ligaments of the legs. These muscle spasms cause the veins to become inflamed and irritated.

The most effective way to treat varicose veins is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Women who are pregnant should avoid standing for long periods of time, walking too much, and exercising vigorously. If these activities do happen, make sure to elevate the affected area above heart level. Elevating the legs while sitting or lying down helps reduce the amount of pressure exerted on the veins.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

The most common symptom of varicose veins is swelling and discoloration of the skin. Other symptoms include itching, burning, tenderness, and throbbing. If left untreated, varicose veins can cause discomfort and even lead to ulcers.

The most common symptom of varicose veins is swelling and discoloration of the skin. Other symptoms include itching, burning, tenderness, and throbbing. If left untreated, varicose veins can cause discomfort and even lead to ulcers.

What are the complications of varicose veins?

The most common complication of varicose veins is thrombophlebitis which is an inflammation of the vein wall. This may cause swelling and tenderness in the affected area. If left untreated, it can lead to blood clots which can travel to the lungs causing chest pains and shortness of breath.

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

The best way to diagnose varicose veins is to look for them. You can easily identify varicose veins by looking for the following symptoms:

• Swelling of the leg

• Pain while walking

• Redness of the skin

• Bruising

• Cramping

If you find any signs of varicose veins, you should consult a doctor immediately. A doctor can diagnose varicose veins by feeling for swollen areas on the inside of the calf muscle. A doctor may also look at the back of the knee to check for swelling.

To diagnose varicose veins, your doctor will perform an examination. He or she will look for signs of swelling and tenderness in the affected area. Your doctor may also ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle habits.

An ultrasound test may be used to detect problems inside the vein walls like deep vein thrombosis. A Doppler device may be used to measure blood flow.

What is the treatment for varicose veins?

There are three types of treatment for varicose veins:

• conservative treatments,
• varicose vein surgery, and
• sclerotherapy.

Conservative treatments include wearing compression stockings and elevating the feet while sleeping. Surgical procedures involve removing or cauterizing the affected veins. Sclerotherapy involves injecting chemicals into the veins to close them.

Healthy life style like regular exercise and maintaining healthy weight may prevent varicose vein symptoms.