Varicose Vein Information

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that usually appear twisted and dark purple. Any vein can potentially become varicose, but varicose veins most often appear in the legs and feet. Varicose veins may also form in the vagina during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are varicose veins can also develop around the anus because of chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements. Some people experience no pain with varicose veins, but, in other cases, symptoms may be severe and require medical or surgical treatment.

Significance

• According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 55 percent of American women and 45 percent of American men develop some sort of vein problem. Of those over the age of 50, varicose veins affect approximately half. For some people, varicose veins are simply a cosmetic problem. For others, they may cause discomfort or pain. Sometimes, varicose veins are a symptom of an underlying circulatory problem that requires treatment.

Causes

• Gravity is the primary cause of varicose veins. The pressure of body weight, when combined with gravity, requires the veins in the legs and feet to work harder to move blood back to the heart. When this pressure is stronger than the one-way valves located in the veins, blood pools and causes the symptoms of varicose veins. The risk of developing varicose veins increases with age, family history, obesity and pregnancy. Hormonal changes that occur during puberty and menopause and while using hormone medications containing estrogen and progesterone also increase the risk. Injury or trauma to the legs, occupations that require prolonged sitting or standing, and sun exposure may increase the chance of varicose vein formation in some people.

Symptoms

• In many cases, varicose veins cause no discomfort and appear as dark blue or purple cord-like veins. They may be raised or appear twisted. When symptoms are present, varicose veins can cause a heavy, achy sensation in the legs or feet that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing. Throbbing, burning, swelling and cramping may also be present. Sometimes, varicose veins itch, especially when they occur on the lower legs and feet.

Treatment

• Treatment of mild cases is with exercise, leg elevation and compression bandages to ease discomfort and prevent a worsening of symptoms. For more severe cases, especially if sores develop or when pain is significant, medical treatment may be needed. Your doctor will perform an ultrasound to determine the cause of your varicose veins, and you may be referred to a vascular specialist. The most common treatment for varicose veins is a procedure called sclerotherapy, which involves the injection of a solution directly into the affected veins that causes them to swell, stick together and seal closed. This procedure stops blood flow through the veins, after which the veins will turn into scar tissue and fade. Laser surgery, ambulatory phlebectomy, surgical ligation and endoscopic vein surgery are other treatments.

Prevention

• Prevention of varicose veins involves lifestyle and activity changes. Limiting sun exposure and wearing sunscreen can help prevent varicose veins from developing, especially on the face and upper body. Daily exercise improves circulation and vein strength, and losing weight limits the pressure placed on the legs while standing and sitting. Do not cross your legs while sitting, and elevate your legs as often as possible to improve circulation and prevent blood from pooling. Elastic support hose are beneficial in some cases, and a high-fiber, low-salt diet will prevent constipation and water retention, both of which increase the risk of varicose veins.