Varicose Veins – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Varicose veins appear as swollen, bulging veins visible beneath the skin. These occur when superficial veins (those close to the skin surface) become enlarged.
The legs are most commonly affected because standing and walking increase pressure in the lower body veins.
Many people see varicose veins as a cosmetic issue similar to spider veins, but they can actually lead to uncomfortable symptoms like pain and aching.
In some cases, they may lead to more serious health complications. For many people, simple lifestyle changes provide relief, while others may require medical intervention for more severe cases.
Signs and Symptoms
Varicose veins may not always cause discomfort, but they can be identified by several noticeable signs.
You might see dark purple or blue veins that twist and bulge like cords on your legs. For some people with darker skin tones, these changes might be harder to spot.
Some people experience physical discomfort with varicose veins, including:
- Achy or heavy feeling in the legs
- Burning or throbbing sensations
- Muscle cramping and swelling in lower legs
- Pain that worsens after sitting or standing for extended periods
- Itching around affected veins
- Skin color changes near the varicose vein
Spider veins are smaller versions of varicose veins that appear closer to the skin’s surface. These tiny veins often form web-like patterns on the legs or face and vary in size.
When Medical Help Is Needed
If you feel concerned about the appearance or discomfort of your veins, and self-care methods haven’t provided relief, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.
A professional evaluation can determine the severity of your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Causes
Varicose veins develop when the veins in your legs aren’t working properly. The blood flow process involves two types of blood vessels:
- Arteries: Transport blood from the heart to the body.
- Veins: Return blood from the body back to the heart.
In your legs, veins must work against gravity to send blood upward. Two mechanisms help with this process:
- Lower leg muscles contract to pump blood upward.
- Vein valves open to allow blood flow toward the heart, then close to prevent backward flow.
When these valves become weak or damaged, blood can flow backward and collect in the veins. This pooling causes the veins to stretch, enlarge, and sometimes twist, resulting in varicose veins.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase a person’s chances of developing varicose veins:
Genetic Factors
- Family history plays a significant role. If your parents or close relatives have varicose veins, you’re more likely to develop them, too.
Physical Factors
- Excess weight puts extra pressure on your veins
- Age causes normal wear on vein valves, allowing blood to pool
- Standing or sitting for long periods reduces normal blood movement
Gender and Hormonal Factors
- Women develop varicose veins more frequently than men
- Hormonal changes can relax vein walls, including during:
- Pregnancy
- Menstrual cycles
- Menopause
- Hormone medications like birth control pills may increase risk
Pregnancy
- Blood volume increases to support the baby
- This expansion can enlarge leg veins
- Pressure from the growing uterus can affect blood flow in leg veins
Complications
Varicose veins rarely lead to complications, but when they do occur, they can be concerning.
- Skin Ulcers: Painful open sores may develop on the skin near varicose veins, particularly around the ankles. These ulcers often start as discolored patches on the skin.
- Blood Clots: Veins deep in the legs can sometimes enlarge, causing pain and swelling. Persistent leg pain or swelling requires immediate medical evaluation, as it might indicate a blood clot.
- Bleeding: In rare cases, veins close to the skin’s surface may rupture. While bleeding is typically minor, it still requires medical care.
- Swelling: Long-term varicose veins can cause fluid buildup in the legs, resulting in noticeable swelling that may be uncomfortable and affect mobility.
Prevention
Certain lifestyle changes can help prevent varicose veins by improving blood circulation and muscle tone.
Avoid wearing high heels or tight stockings that restrict blood flow. Instead, compression stockings can be beneficial.
Change positions frequently when sitting or standing for long periods.
Eating foods high in fiber while reducing salt intake supports vascular health.
Regular exercise strengthens leg muscles and improves circulation.
When resting, elevate your legs above heart level to help blood flow back to your heart more efficiently.
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on your veins, which can prevent them from becoming varicose.
