Causes of varicose veins
Normally, according to Varicose Vein Clinic unidirectional valves in the veins of the legs maintain blood flow to the heart. When the valves do not work properly, the blood returns through the vein. This is inflamed by the blood that accumulates there, which causes varicose veins.
Usa Vein Clinics researched that varicose veins are common, affecting women more than men. They do not cause problems for most people.
Risk factors include:
- Advanced age
- Being a woman (hormonal changes due to puberty, pregnancy and menopause can lead to varicose veins, in addition, contraceptive pills or hormone therapy can increase the risk)
- Born with defective valves
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- History of blood clots in the legs
- Standing or sitting for long periods
- Family history of varicose veins
Symptoms
Symptoms of varicose veins as told by Vein Clinics Of America include:
- Fullness, heaviness, ailment and, sometimes, leg pain
- Visible and swollen veins
- Smaller veins that can be seen on the surface of the skin, called spider veins
- Cramps in thighs and calves (usually at night)
- Slight swelling of the ankles
- Itch
If the blood flow through the veins gets worse, the symptoms may include:
- Swelling of the leg
- Pain in leg or calf after sitting or standing for long periods
- Color changes in the skin of the legs or ankles
- Dry, irritated, scaly skin that can break easily
- Ulcers that do not heal easily
- Thickening and hardening of the skin on the legs and ankles (this can happen over time)
The Vein Clinic will examine your legs to look for inflammation, changes in skin color or sores. Your provider can also:
- Examine the blood flow in the veins
- Discard other disorders of the legs (such as a blood clot)
Treatment of varicose veins
Vein Treatment Center may suggest that you take the following personal care measures to help manage varicose veins:
- Wear socks to reduce swelling. They gently compress the legs to raise the blood.
- Avoid sitting or standing for longer periods. Even moving your legs slightly helps the blood circulate.
- Lift your legs above the level of the heart 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time.
- Treat wounds if you have open ulcers or infections. Your provider can show you how.
- Lose weight if you are overweight.
- Get more exercise. This can help you keep your weight in check and mobilize your leg up blood. Walking or swimming is good options.
- If you have dry or cracked skin on your legs, moisturizing them can help. However, some treatments in American Vein Center for skin care can make the problem worse. Talk to the treatment center before using any type of antibiotic lotions, creams or ointments. Your vein clinic can recommend lotions that can be used.
