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What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged veins in which blood has collected.
They are usually bluish in color.
They become dilated and appear to be twisted and bulge above the surface of the skin upon standing.
When do they occur?
Varicose veins are most commonly found on the legs of women and men who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Birth control pills, hormone therapy, obesity, weight fluctuation, and constipation can also add to the
development of varicose veins.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are the smaller varicose veins that appear as bluish or reddish squiggly lines just under
the surface of the skin.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins develop for many reasons. They may be familial (occurring in families) or due to hormonal influence,
or injury.
If you are required to stand for prolonged periods of time, this lifestyle activity contirubtes to the
formation of varicose veins.
How do varicose veins occur?
There are two principal reasons why varicose veins develop.
First, the wall of the vein becomes weak which causes the vein to dilate.
Second, the little valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction may not work properly.
This causes venous blood to flow in a reverse direction.
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Not usually. However, varicose veins are associated with pain, aching, itching, burning, a heavy or tired feeling
in the legs, cramps swelling, or sometimes bleeding.
When there is enough venous blood flowing in the wrong direction, the venous pressure in the leg becomes higher,
causing the leg to swell.
This sometimes leads to leg ulcers and other problems.
In unusual cases, varicose veins may warn of a deep vein problem.
If so, your vascular surgeon may recommend further evaluation.
What is the treatment of varicose veins?
Surgery was once the only treatment.
Major surgery for "vein stripping" is no longer necessary.
Today sclerotherapy and
laser treatment
are available as outpatient treatments. The Vein Treatment Centers bring expertise in the
latest advances to offer you the best care possible.
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Major surgery, once the only treatment, is no longer necessary.
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