Varicose veins are swollen veins that appear just under the skin. They usually show up on the legs, feet, and ankles; they often look blue or purple. Because the vein walls weaken and the valves stop working as they should, blood pools and backs up, so the veins swell and twist. This article explains what these veins are, how to lower your risk, and which treatments can help.
Defining Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels that bulge beneath the skin’s surface. The walls stretch; the pressure inside keeps rising. When vein walls weaken and the valves inside stop working as they should, blood pools and backs up, so the vein swells and twists. Several other factors weaken vein walls and valves. Hormonal changes can stretch vein walls, and family history raises your chances. Because veins lose elasticity with age, their walls stiffen over time, and long periods of standing or sitting slow circulation, while excess weight and tobacco use rank among the risk factors.
Preventing Varicose Veins
You may not be able to prevent it completely. The most familiar sign is a gnarled blue or purple vein, but legs may also feel heavy, itchy, achy, or swollen. Because many of the same steps that prevent the condition also ease its symptoms, an active lifestyle helps on both fronts; it lowers your overall risk.
Several habits support healthy circulation. Loose clothing that does not pinch the waist encourages flow. Although staying at a healthy weight eases pressure on the vessels, avoiding tobacco may also lower your risk; compression stockings can help blood circulate, while moving often supports healthy blood flow.
Treating Varicose Veins
Extra tests are not always needed, but an ultrasound may be used to view the veins in detail. Because the veins sit close to the skin, they are often visible, and the provider feels them and examines them while you sit and stand. A provider diagnoses varicose veins through a physical exam.
Elevating the legs eases pressure; wearing elastic stockings supports circulation in milder cases. Because some veins need more care than home steps provide, several procedures exist, and a provider matches the option to your health history and the severity of the condition. Treatment relieves discomfort and improves the look of the skin. Common choices include:
- Injection therapy
- Laser therapy
- Ambulatory phlebectomy
- Vein surgery
Possible side effects include pain, bleeding, bruising, and changes in skin color. Rare effects include burns, numbness, or nerve injury. Although treatments can help improve symptoms and appearance, symptoms can return; the risk rises with pregnancy after treatment, a high body mass index, or an inactive lifestyle.
Find a Clinic
Varicose veins are common. Most people do not face serious problems, but the veins can bring discomfort or change how the skin looks. Although weak vein walls and faulty valves let blood pool, which makes the veins swell and twist, an active lifestyle can lower your risk. If the veins bother you or you feel uncomfortable, see a provider to discuss the exam findings and the treatment that best fits your needs. Find a clinic to learn more.
