faq's
Varicose Veins: More Than Just a Cosmetic
Issue
Varicose veins are a very common problem,
generally appearing as twisting, bulging
rope-like cords on the legs, anywhere
from groin to ankle. While many people
have heard of varicose veins, very few
truly understand their underlying cause,
and the potential they have for developing
into a serious medical issue.
Facts about varicose veins
Varicose veins affect an estimated 40%
of women and 25% of men. Factors leading
to varicose veins include heredity, gender,
pregnancy, age and other factors. Some
factors may speed up the development of
this disease and make the veins worse,
including prolonged standing, obesity,
hormone levels, and physical trauma.
What are the symptoms? Will they
get worse?
In addition to the visual appearance,
many patients may experience one or more
of the following leg symptoms:
Pain (an aching or cramping feeling)
Heaviness/Tiredness
Burning or tingling sensations
Swelling/Throbbing
Tender areas around the veins
If you experience symptoms and delay treatment,
your symptoms may progress onward to more
serious complications including:
Inflammation (phlebitis)
Blood clots (e.g., DVT)
Ankle sores or skin ulcers
Bleeding
If you are experiencing any of the above,
consult your physician, as treatment may
be required.
How varicose veins occur
Arteries carry blood from your heart out
to your extremities, delivering oxygen
deep into the tissue. Veins then return
the ‘de-oxygenated’ blood
(now blue) back to your heart to be re-circulated.
To return this blood to the heart, your
leg veins must work against gravity. Small,
one-way valves in the veins open to allow
blood to flow upward, towards the heart,
and then close to prevent it from flowing
backwards.
Varicose veins occur when the valves
in superficial leg veins malfunction.
When this occurs, the valve may be unable
to close, allowing blood that should be
moving towards the heart to flow backward
(called venous reflux). Blood collects
in your lower veins causing them to enlarge
and become varicose.
Can varicose veins be prevented?
The underlying conditions described above
usually make ‘curing’ varicose
veins impossible, however certain measures
may help relieve discomfort from existing
varicose veins and prevent others from
arising:
Exercise regularly (walking is ideal)
Avoid standing for long periods of time
Avoid sitting for long periods
Control weight
Since the above measures do not treat
the underlying cause of the disease, varicose
veins will usually enlarge and worsen
over time. Legs and feet may begin to
swell and sensations of pain, heaviness,
burning or tenderness may occur. If and
when this happens, consult your physician
immediately.
Treatment alternatives for varicose
veins
Your physician will usually try methods
that don’t involve surgery first
to relieve your symptoms. These may include
preventive techniques or the use of compression
stockings. If your varicose veins do not
respond to this conservative therapy,
more active treatment may be required.