What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a common affliction found in many people. In the majority of cases, they are simply a cosmetic issue, where the veins are unsightly. In other cases, however, they can raise health concerns, some of them serious if symptoms are severe enough. There are a variety of treatment options for varicose veins, some which can be done at home or work, while others require the services of a medical professional.

Cause

• Varicose veins are the result of a medical condition called venous reflux, also known as venous insufficiency. Venous reflux is a result of poor circulation of blood flowing through the body, whereby blood, rather than flowing smoothly, pools in a vein. In the U.S. alone, at least 25 million people have venous reflux.

Location

• Varicose veins typically occur in the legs, ankles and feet, where there is more pressure upon a person's veins when moving about or standing. They can, however, be found anywhere in the body -- arms, hands, neck or in the back.

Symptoms

• There are numerous symptoms of varicose veins. The most common is cosmetic -- a vein will stick out from the skin and take on a twisted appearance, becoming discolored in shades of blue or purple. Other symptoms include a burning or itching feel in the afflicted area, swollen lower extremities, aches or severe pain, and skin ulcers, which require immediate medical attention if they appear.

Who's at Risk

• Venous reflux can strike anybody, but some people are more at risk than others. People who must stand for lengthy periods of time are more likely to develop varicose veins. The condition also afflicts women more often than men, particularly women who have gone through at least one pregnancy. Venous reflux also is more likely to be a problem as a person gets older or if they are obese. For some people, the condition is hereditary. If other members of their family have varicose veins, they tend to develop them as well.

Treatment

• There are several ways to self-treat varicose veins. Exercise, loose clothing, compression stockings, and keeping legs elevated all may help in preventing or slowing varicose veins. Additionally, it is best to be active. People with jobs that require extended periods of sitting should get up and move about at least every 30y minutes or so. Professional medical treatment of varicose veins includes the use of chemicals, heat or lasers to make them disappear. Treatment may also call for tying off a varicose vein, or stripping and removing it. Anybody who has concerns about varicose veins should consult a physician before starting a self-treatment program.