Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins. Any vein close to the surface of the skin, known as a superficial vein, is susceptible to varicose veins. However, varicose veins most commonly affect the veins in the legs. This is because standing and walking increase the pressure on the veins in the lower body.
For many people, varicose veins are merely a cosmetic issue. Spider veins, a common and mild type of varicose vein, are also a concern. However, for others, varicose veins can cause significant pain and discomfort and may sometimes lead to more serious health problems.
Treatment options include exercise, elevating the legs when sitting or lying down, and wearing compression stockings. Vein ligation or removal may also be considered.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins may not cause any pain. Symptoms of varicose veins include:
Veins that are dark purple, blue, or the same color as the skin. How easily or difficult it is to notice these discolorations depends on skin tone.
Veins that appear twisted and swollen. They often resemble ropes on the legs.
Symptoms of painful varicose veins may include:
A feeling of pain or heaviness in the legs.
A burning sensation, throbbing pain, painful muscle cramps, and swelling in the lower legs.
Worsening pain after prolonged sitting or standing.
Itching around one or more veins.
Changes in skin color around the varicose vein.
Causes
Varicose veins can develop due to weak or damaged valves. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Veins return blood from the rest of the body to the heart. To return blood to the heart, the veins in the legs must work against the force of gravity.
Risk Factors
The two main risk factors for varicose veins are:
Family history. If other family members have varicose veins, you are more likely to develop them as well.
Obesity. Obesity puts extra pressure on the veins.
Other factors that may increase your risk of developing varicose veins include:
Age. Aging causes the valves in the veins that help control blood flow to wear down. Over time, this wear and tear allows some blood to back up and pool in the veins.
Gender. Women are more prone to this condition because hormones cause the walls of the veins to relax. Hormonal changes before menstruation, during pregnancy, or menopause can be risk factors. Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, can also increase the risk of varicose veins.
Pregnancy. The amount of blood in the body increases during pregnancy. While this change supports the growing fetus, it can also cause the veins in the legs to dilate.
Standing or sitting for long periods. Movement helps blood flow.
Prevention
Good blood flow and muscle tone may reduce the risk of varicose veins. The same measures you take to treat discomfort from varicose veins can also help prevent them. Try the following:
Avoid wearing high heels or tight socks, except for compression stockings.
Change your usual sitting or standing posture.
Follow a high-fiber, low-salt diet.
Exercise regularly.
Elevate your legs when sitting or lying down.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Diagnosis
To diagnose varicose veins, a healthcare professional will examine you. This includes looking at your legs when you are standing to check for any swelling. You may be asked to describe any persistent pain or discomfort you experience in your legs.
Surgery or Other Treatments
If self-care measures or compression stockings are ineffective, or if your varicose veins worsen, your healthcare professional may suggest surgery or one of the following treatments:
Sclerotherapy. A healthcare professional injects the varicose veins with a solution or foam that causes them to close and become blocked. Within a few weeks, the treated varicose veins will disappear.
Some veins may require more than one injection. You don't need to be under anesthesia to undergo sclerotherapy. It can be performed in a healthcare professional's office.
Laser therapy. Laser therapy works by sending powerful bursts of light to the varicose veins. This causes the vein to slowly shrink until it disappears completely. No incisions or needles are used in this procedure.
Catheter-based procedures using radiofrequency or laser energy. This procedure is the most common treatment for large varicose veins. A healthcare professional inserts a thin tube called a catheter into the enlarged vein. Radiofrequency or laser energy then heats the tip of the catheter. When the catheter is removed, the heat destroys the vein, causing it to shrink and close tightly.
High vein ligation and removal. This procedure involves first ligating the affected vein before it connects to a deep vein. Then, the affected vein is removed through small incisions. This can be done for most people without hospitalization.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Try the following lifestyle-based home remedies for varicose veins:
Exercise regularly. Walking is an effective way to help blood flow in your legs. Your healthcare provider can suggest a good level of activity for you.
Manage your weight. Losing excess weight reduces pressure on your veins.
Avoid salt. Follow a low-salt diet to prevent swelling caused by water retention.
Choose the right shoes. Avoid wearing high heels. Low heels help strengthen your calf muscles, which is better for your veins.
Don't wear tight clothing. Tight clothing can cause varicose veins to bulge.Tight clothing around the waist, legs, or groin restricts blood flow.
Elevate your legs. To improve blood flow in your legs, take several short breaks each day to raise them above heart level. For example, lie down with your legs propped up on three or four pillows. You can also elevate the foot of your bed by about six inches (15.2 cm).
Change your position frequently. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Movement helps improve blood flow.