Varicose veins are considered by many to be a sign of aging, but
the truth is that the condition is a little more complex than that.
Although the health risks that come from varicose veins are for the most
part minor, they do create an unattractive appearance that many people
want to treat or better yet avoid if at all possible.
What are Varicose Veins?
Essentially, this condition occurs when the veins have become enlarged and twisted just under the skin. For the most part they occur in the legs, but they can be found in other parts of the body as well. This condition occurs because of the leaflet valves in the veins which prevent the blood from flowing backwards against the pull of gravity lose their efficiency. In essence, a little blood starts backing up which causes the veins to enlarge and only make the problem worse.
Varicose veins may also become discolored by the blood which has flowed backwards to create a spider-web-like appearance. While mostly a cosmetic issue, they can become painful as well, especially when standing. Severe cases can cause the legs to swell up, the skin to thicken and ulcerate as well. Skin conditions such as eczema may occur. In a very few cases, the result of varicose veins may be life threatening, although that is usually reserved for deep vein thrombosis.
Causes
There are actually a number of factors that may contribute in having varicose veins. Many of these conditions may be avoided while others are predetermined.
Obesity: The pressure of the excess weight may play a strong role in the creation of this condition. By applying excessive pressure, the extra weight will definitely play a big role in putting pressure on the veins.
Family History: If your parent or grandparents had varicose veins, then chances are you'll develop them in your lifetime as well.
Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to develop this condition because age does cause wear on the valves of your veins where some of the blood will flow back and collect which causes the condition to occur.
Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins. This is especially true in older women who have undergone hormonal changes such as pregnancy, pre-menstruation or menopause. Taking estrogen will tend to relax the walls of the veins as well, so hormone replacement therapy or using birth control will increase your risk.
Standing or Sitting for Long Periods: Because your blood does not flow as well if you are standing or sitting for long periods of time, it can collect in the veins rather than proceed to the heart which causes this condition to occur.
Varicose Vein Treatment
Obviously, the best treatment is to avoid varicose veins by exercising the legs, keeping your weight down and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time.
However, general treatment to avoid them usually starts with elevating the legs when possible to allow the blood to flow back into the heart. Plus, compression stockings have also proven to be a good way to prevent the condition as well. If the veins themselves are already damaged, surgery may be required to treat them accordingly.
Overall, by keeping your weight down and activity level up, you may be able to avoid varicose veins.
What are Varicose Veins?
Essentially, this condition occurs when the veins have become enlarged and twisted just under the skin. For the most part they occur in the legs, but they can be found in other parts of the body as well. This condition occurs because of the leaflet valves in the veins which prevent the blood from flowing backwards against the pull of gravity lose their efficiency. In essence, a little blood starts backing up which causes the veins to enlarge and only make the problem worse.
Varicose veins may also become discolored by the blood which has flowed backwards to create a spider-web-like appearance. While mostly a cosmetic issue, they can become painful as well, especially when standing. Severe cases can cause the legs to swell up, the skin to thicken and ulcerate as well. Skin conditions such as eczema may occur. In a very few cases, the result of varicose veins may be life threatening, although that is usually reserved for deep vein thrombosis.
Causes
There are actually a number of factors that may contribute in having varicose veins. Many of these conditions may be avoided while others are predetermined.
Obesity: The pressure of the excess weight may play a strong role in the creation of this condition. By applying excessive pressure, the extra weight will definitely play a big role in putting pressure on the veins.
Family History: If your parent or grandparents had varicose veins, then chances are you'll develop them in your lifetime as well.
Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to develop this condition because age does cause wear on the valves of your veins where some of the blood will flow back and collect which causes the condition to occur.
Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins. This is especially true in older women who have undergone hormonal changes such as pregnancy, pre-menstruation or menopause. Taking estrogen will tend to relax the walls of the veins as well, so hormone replacement therapy or using birth control will increase your risk.
Standing or Sitting for Long Periods: Because your blood does not flow as well if you are standing or sitting for long periods of time, it can collect in the veins rather than proceed to the heart which causes this condition to occur.
Varicose Vein Treatment
Obviously, the best treatment is to avoid varicose veins by exercising the legs, keeping your weight down and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time.
However, general treatment to avoid them usually starts with elevating the legs when possible to allow the blood to flow back into the heart. Plus, compression stockings have also proven to be a good way to prevent the condition as well. If the veins themselves are already damaged, surgery may be required to treat them accordingly.
Overall, by keeping your weight down and activity level up, you may be able to avoid varicose veins.
