Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs and feet. They may be blue or dark purple, and are often lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance.

Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men. This may be due to female hormones relaxing the walls of the veins, which may cause the valves to leak leading to enlarged veins.

Varicose veins are not considered a serious medical condition, but they may cause discomfort and lead to serious problems. They may cause emotional distress as some people may feel they are unsightly and become embarrassed.

Symptoms of varicose veins

Varicose veins may be visible only after the veins have stretched, but they may accompany other symptoms. Symptoms of varicose veins include:

• Large, bumpy veins that look like snakes.
• Feeling of tiredness in the legs.
• Veins that ache.
• Itchiness in the leg and ankle.
• Itchiness after wearing socks.
• Redness or rash often mistaken for dry skin.
• Pain in the leg.
• Swollen ankles and feet.
• Burning and throbbing in the leg.
• Color changes in the skin.

Sometimes varicose veins may cause complications. These may include:

• Inflammation of the veins called phlebitis.
• Bleeding.
• Red, scaling, itchy rash on the inside of the leg above the ankle.
• Clotting in a superficial vein.
• Damage to leg veins that causes a problem in blood flow.
• Ulcer on the leg.

Causes of varicose veins

Healthy veins flow blood smoothly to the heart. The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through. Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly. This causes blood to flow backwards and collect in the vein. The blood pressure increases in the vein and causes it to become stretched, swollen, and enlarged.

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of varicose veins, but certain things can lead to or increase your chances of developing varicose veins. These include:

• Being female.
• Pregnancy.
• Being older.
• Long periods of standing.
• Obesity.
• Having a family member who has varicose veins.
• Smoking.
• Birth control pills or hormone replacement medications.
• Being inactive.

Types of varicose veins

There are several types of varicose veins, such as:

Trunk Varicose Veins:  These are near to the surface of the skin and are thick and knobby, they're often long and can look unpleasant.

Reticular Varicose Veins: These are red and sometimes grouped close together in a network.

Telangiectasia Varicose Veins: Also known as thread veins or spider veins, these are small clusters of blue or red veins that sometimes appear on your face or legs; they're harmless and, unlike trunk varicose veins, do not bulge underneath the surface of the skin.