| Varicose Veins |
| Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that are visible beneath the skin. Any vein may become varicose, but the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs and feet. That's because standing and walking upright increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body. For some people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes varicose veins lead to more-serious problems. Varicose veins may also signal a higher risk of other circulatory problems. |
| Symptoms: Varicose veins sometimes don't cause any pain. Signs you may have varicose veins include: •Veins that are dark purple or blue in color •Veins that appear twisted and bulging; often like cords on your legs When painful signs and symptoms occur, they may include: •An achy or heavy feeling in your legs •Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs •Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time •Itching around one or more of your veins •Skin discoloration or ulcers near your ankle, which can mean you have a severe form of vascular disease that requires medical attention Factors that increase the development of Varicose Veins: •Age. Varicose veins occur most often in people ages 30 to 70, with your risk increasing as you age. Aging causes wear and tear on the valves in your veins that help regulate blood flow. Eventually, that wear causes the valves to allow blood to flow back into your veins where it collects instead of flowing up to your heart. •Sex. Women are more likely to develop the condition. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, premenstruation or menopause may be a factor. Female hormones tend to relax vein walls. Taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills may increase your risk of varicose veins. •Genetics. If other family members had varicose veins, there's a greater chance you will too. •Obesity. Being overweight puts added pressure on your veins. •Standing for long periods of time. Your blood doesn't flow as well if you're in the same position for long periods. |
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