Varicose veins are veins that have become swollen. As they swell, they become more visible under the skin, taking on a blue or purple appearance. Varicose veins usually appear in the legs but can affect any part of the body including the stomach, testicles, and liver. They’re quite common; 20% of American adults live with the condition.
Varicose veins are not dangerous in most cases, but they can cause discomfort or pain in some people. Many people simply do not like their appearance. Rarely, varicose veins can lead to complications.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins form when vein valves become weak or damaged. The weak valves allow blood to pool in gravity-dependent areas instead of only going one direction. In addition, varicose veins can be caused or exacerbated by high blood pressure resulting from obesity, constipation, tumor, or pregnancy.
Various risk factors can increase your chances of developing varicose veins.
- Being female. Women are more likely than men to have varicose veins. It’s thought that pregnancy and menopause play a role, due to changes in hormones. Progesterone in particular, which is the predominant hormone during pregnancy, causes relaxation of blood vessels. Contraceptive (birth control) medication can result in similar hormonal changes and could be a factor in the development of varicose veins.
- Being older. While varicose veins can appear at any age, they’re most likely to affect older men and women due to vein valves breaking down.
- Having certain genetic factors. Varicose veins can be hereditary, meaning they are passed down through genes. If you have a family member with the condition, your risk is increased.
- Being obese or overweight. If you’re obese or overweight, your veins need to work harder to pump blood. As a result, the stress can cause them to become varicose.
- Leading an inactive lifestyle. If you sit or stand a lot during the day, you’re at higher risk for varicose veins. Regular compression of veins by muscles contracting helps prevent varicose veins.
How are varicose veins treated?
Unless varicose veins are symptomatic or likely to cause complications, treating them isn’t usually necessary. Of course, some people will opt to have them repaired for aesthetic purposes. Treatments can include:
- Lifestyle changes. Staying active, losing weight, and wearing looser clothes can reduce discomfort caused by varicose veins.
- Compression therapy. Compression therapy involves a type of stocking or bandage that is worn to put pressure on the legs and relieve pain or discomfort.
- Surgery. If varicose veins become too painful, surgical procedures can be done to close the vein. Some surgical options include ablation by sclerotherapy (injecting a chemical to cause vein to scar closed) or laser treatment and phlebectomy (surgically cutting out a section of vein that is bulging or removing entire vein, also referred to as vein stripping).
Alternative ideas
If you are interested in trying some other ways to relieve the pain and pressure of varicose veins, you can look into the following:
- Elevation. Lying down with your legs propped up above your heart may help relieve some of the pressure and pain with varicose veins in the legs. A yoga pose called Viparita Karani or “Legs up the Wall” can help.
- Diet changes. Cutting down on salty foods can help relieve water retention, which, in turn, can help reduce swelling in the legs. Adding potassium-rich foods such as nuts and leafy greens can also help reduce water retention. Foods that are high in fiber can relieve constipation, which can worsen veins by causing straining.
Complications of varicose veins
In rare events, varicose veins can cause complications, which may include:
- Venous leg ulcers. These occur when the vein develops into an open wound. If the site of the varicose veins begins to swell or bleed, contact your doctor immediately.
- Blood clots. If your varicose veins become enlarged or swollen and are painful, this could be a sign of blood clotting, something that requires immediate medical treatment. Blood clots can lead to a more serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be deadly. People with varicose veins have a five-fold increased risk of developing DVT.
References
- Varicose veins: Overview
- DOES OBESITY AND WEIGHT AFFECT VARICOSE VEINS?
- What You Need to Know About Varicose Veins and Blood Clots
- Varicose veins – Mayo Clinic
- Varicose Veins
- Home remedies for varicose veins
- 6 Benefits of Legs Up the Wall Pose
- Home Remedies for Varicose Veins
- Association of Varicose Veins With Incident Venous Thromboembolism and Peripheral Artery Disease
