Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged "rope-like" veins – blood vessels that are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They can be flesh-colored, dark purple or blue and often look like a cluster of grapes. They are commonly found on the back of the calves or the inside of the legs. However, they can form anywhere on the legs, from groin to ankle.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins result from abnormal inner walls or abnormal valves in these blood vessels. Blood is carried through arteries from the heart to the rest of the body and returned to the heart through the body’s veins, called the venous system.
Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps, preventing blood from backing up and pooling. When these one-way valves don’t work properly, blood may flow backwards, causing the veins to dilate (enlarge) and become varicose. The technical terms for this condition are venous reflux or venous insufficiency.
How common are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are very common. Millions of Americans suffer from disease of the veins. Varicose veins are more prominent in women, but approximately 15 to 20 percent of men suffer from some form of vein problem as well. Varicose veins affect one out of every two people over the age of 50.
What are the risk factors for varicose veins?
- Family history
- Increasing age
- Obesity
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Prior deep venous thrombosis
- Prolonged standing
What are the signs and symptoms of varicose veins?
In many cases, varicose and spider veins cause no symptoms. However, these veins are often unattractive and may become painful. Prolonged sitting or standing tends to make legs with varicose veins feel worse. Some common symptoms include:
- Aching pain
- Burning
- Darkening of the skin
- Easily tired legs
- Itching
- Leg heaviness
- Leg swelling
- Numbness in the legs
- Rash on the legs
- Skin ulcers
When should you seek medical advice?
Self-help measures can help ease the pain of varicose veins and may prevent them from getting worse. But if the way they look and feel becomes a concern or if self-help measures are not successful, then it’s time to see a physician.