What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins (varicosities) are bulging, abnormally enlarged veins near the surface of the skin, commonly found in the legs or pelvis area. The failure of these veins to circulate blood properly causes blood to pool within the vein. Each vein has a series of valves, which are designed to prevent blood from flowing backwards (check valves). When these malfunction they allow blood to collect creating pressure inside the vein and form protruding, unsightly veins that are often accompanied by discomfort or pain.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins (telangiectasia) are formed by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels located just below the surface of the skin. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, spider veins are most commonly found on the face and legs. These small red, purple or bluish veins typically branch out in a linear or spider web-like appearance. Generally, spider veins are little more than a cosmetic nuisance but can cause throbbing, itching, or burning sensations.
What causes varicose and spider veins?
Varicose and spider veins can occur in men or women of any age. Hereditary factors play the most important role in determining whether you will develop varicose or spider veins, although the specific genetic factors responsible have not yet been identified. If you have varicose or spider veins, chances are your mother or father probably had them too.Most varicose veins are due to elevated pressure within the vein, however some people have an inborn weakness of vein walls and can develop varicose veins even in the absence of elevated venous pressure.
A host of other physical and environmental factors play a role in the development of varicose and spider veins. Standing in one position for a length of time is not conducive to the proper return of blood to the heart.
How common are varicose and spider veins?
As many as 30% of all American women and 25% or all American men suffer from some form of vein disorder.
What are common symptoms of varicose veins?
Varicose veins are visible through the skin and appear dark, enlarged, and bulging. Symptoms can include aching, pain, itchiness, or burning sensations, especially when standing or sitting for long periods of time.
What factors can affect varicose and spider veins?
Factors that may accelerate the appearance of varicose and spider veins are:
- Obesity – Excess weight puts extra pressure and strain on blood vessels throughout the legs, which can cause the appearance of varicose veins to worsen and/or increase.
- Aging – With advancing age, the elasticity of the vein decreases and the smooth muscle layer begins to degenerate, leaving a weakened vein that is more likely to develop into a problem varicose vein.
- Prolonged Sitting/Standing – Long periods of standing or sitting leads to increased venous pressure due to lack of circulation that can weaken vein walls.
- Constipation – Any excessive straining creates an increase in venous pressure, chronic constipation can worsen existing venous conditions.
- Leg Trauma – Because the blood flow from within the legs is compromised, circulation to the skin is poor and any damage can take longer to heal due to lack of oxygen circulated to the damaged area.
- Pregnancy, Hormone Therapy, Birth Control – Changes in hormone levels can cause vein walls and valves to become more pliable and distend, creating varicose or spider veins.
- High Heels – Leg circulation is aided by the full contraction of the calve muscle. The wearing of high heels may prevent venous emptying and cause leg aching or tiredness and can worsen appearance of varicose and spider veins.
- Abnormal blood vessels between arteries and veins
According to the American Venous Forum very large varicose veins, when left untreated, have a one-in-five chance of progressing to a leg ulcer.
Why do varicose and spider veins usually occur in the legs?
Because the veins in the legs have the most difficult time carrying blood back to the heart, they endure the most pressure. The force of gravity, body weight, and the task of pumping blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make the legs the most likely place for the appearance of varicose and spider veins.
What treatments are available?
Varicose veins are frequently treated by eliminating the faulty veins. This forces the blood to flow through the remaining adjacent, healthy veins. Various methods can be used to eliminate the problem veins, including:
- Conservative Treatment:
- Compression stockings
- Treatments:
- Sclerotherapy
- Foam Sclerotherapy
- Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
- Endovenous Laser Treatment
- Micro Phlebectomy
- Radiofrequency Closure
- Surgical Ligation and Stripping
Anyone who suffers from varicose or spider veins should consider conservative therapy as a first line of treatment.
Are these procedures/treatments painful?
During the actual procedure, under anesthesia, you should experience little pain from the administration of the local anesthesia. Once the anesthetic wears off, it is likely to experience some discomfort near the incisions. For all of these procedures, the amount of pain experienced will vary from person to person and depend on a wide range of factors from the individual’s tolerance to pain, to how extensive the treatments are, to which parts of the body are treated, to whether complications arise, or to other unforeseen factors. Carefully following your post-operative instructions will aid in a speedy recovery.
Can varicose and spider veins return even after treatment?
Current treatments for varicose veins and spider veins have very high success rates. Although it is uncommon, treated varicose and spider veins can return even after treatment. Such situations can occur due to hidden areas in the body that are affected by vein pressure. The removal of the problem vein causes surrounding veins to take on the pumping of blood back to the heart. If such veins themselves are problematic they can develop into new varicose or spider veins.
Is treatment always necessary?
Varicose and spider veins are primarily a cosmetic problem, however if you are unsure about treatment for your condition, it is always best to consult a physician first. Severe cases of varicose veins, especially those involving ulcers, typically require treatment and can be symptoms of a larger underlying health problem.
What preventative methods are there for varicose and spider veins?
The development of varicose and spider veins is irreversible. Once you have them, there is no way for the body to naturally reverse them. In fact, most varicose and spider veins in adults have their genesis in childhood. However, there are ways to prevent varicose and spider veins from spreading and alleviate vein symptoms.Wearing support stockings with compression is the most common type of conservative treatment for varicose and spider veins. They help to improve circulation and are a mainstay of treatment for varicose veins that are causing symptoms. Regular exercise promotes healthy circulation and also slows the development of new varicose and spider veins. Diet, lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, and other natural alternatives can also benefit the prevention of varicose and spider veins.
Other things you can do to promote good leg vein health, include:
- Avoiding birth control pills
- Eating a high fiber diet to prevent constipation
- Avoiding tight clothes which can affect circulation
- Regularly elevating legs to help keep blood from pooling
- Exploring natural alternatives, such as massage and dietary supplements
- Not crossing your legs