Varicose Veins: Causes & Treatment

Early Symptoms and Warning Signs of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are common among people. Some early symptoms of varicose veins include heavy legs, itching, pain, and more. They might not look very appealing, but they are not dangerous to many.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins refer to swollen veins which are twisted under the skin. They appear bulgy under the skin’s surface due to engorged blood vessels. These bulges usually have a blue or purple appearance.

They tend to impact the legs more, but they can happen in any body part. An early form of varicose veins is spider veins.

What are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

The symptoms of varicose veins are as follows:

• Heavy Legs: After physical activity, muscles in the legs might feel heavy, sluggish, or tired.
• Itching: There can be itchiness around the area that might be susceptible to varicose veins.
• Pain: Leg cramps and soreness or pain are possible, especially behind the knee.
• Bulging Veins: Rope-like veins might appear on the skin surface, which might develop in clusters.
• Swelling: Swelling and throbbing can also happen around the leg area.
• Ulcers and Skin Discolouration: In severe cases or without treatment, venous ulcers or sores can appear on the skin and cause discolouration.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

The primary reason varicose veins happen is due to the weakening of vein walls. So, the veins stretch out if they cannot handle the blood pressure. This impacts the proper working of valves in those vessels. Thus creating pools of blood in those areas and causing a bulge.

The causes for weak walls of veins are as follows:

• Excess Weight
• Ageing
• Prolonged Standing
• Hormones
• Pregnancy

Risk Factors for Varicose Veins

The risk factors which can increase the chances of getting varicose veins are as follows:

• Normal Ageing: Due to the natural aging process, vein walls and valves experience wear and tear. Vein walls lose elasticity, causing them to stretch and enlarge, which prevents the valves from closing properly.
• Family History: You can inherit this medical condition in case it runs in your family.
• Lifestyle: Standing or sitting for prolonged time disrupts circulation
• Overall Health: Particular health conditions can increase pressure in your veins.
• Weight: Being overweight can also put pressure in your veins.
• Use of Tobacco: People who use tobacco products (e.g., smoking) are more likely to develop varicose veins. Tobacco use can damage blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and cause inflammation, all of which worsen vein health.
• Hormones: Female hormones can cause the walls of the veins to relax and stretch. Women who are pregnant, taking birth control pills, or going through the menopause phase are at higher risk of developing varicose veins due to these hormonal fluctuations.

How are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?

A general physician generally diagnoses varicose veins during a physical examination. In most cases, the GP might ask about the symptoms such as heaviness, pain, itching, skin changes, or swollen legs. They might also look for any complications, such as ulcers.

A specialist might conduct tests, such as duplex ultrasound, when referred to one. This test provides a scan to diagnose varicose veins and helps plan the treatment.

What are the Treatment Options for Varicose Veins?

The treatment for varicose veins includes:

• Elevation: It can be done a few times a day to decrease the blood pressure in the lower body.
• Foam Sclerotherapy: Use of injections to stop the blood flow in the affected vein.
• Elastic Stockings: These stockings are used to apply external pressure to help the blood vessels handle the blood pressure.
• Endothermal Ablation: Blocking of blood flow in veins to prevent them from swelling.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Various cuts or punctures on the skin are made near the varicose veins.
• Vein Surgery (Ligation and Stripping): Direct surgery to remove the varicose veins can be performed.

Side effects or Complications of Varicose Veins Treatment

Certain complications can occur in rare cases years after the appearance of the first varicose veins or as a side effect of the treatment. These complications are as follows:

• Venous Leg Ulcers
• Varicose Eczema
• Bleeding
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a vein deep inside your body.
• Superficial Vein Thrombosis
• Pain
• Scarring
• Skin Burns & Numbness (rare)
• Injury to nerve
• Stroke
• Lumps or hardness for a few months
• Redness or bruising for a few days where a needle went into your skin.
• Changes in color (for several months) on the skin where the needle touched.

Prevention Methods for Varicose Veins

Certain preventive measures can be followed to prevent varicose veins or have a good life with this condition. They are as follows:

• Have an active life with regular exercise, which will improve the blood flow.
• Always keep your legs up when resting, for instance, while sitting on a stool.
• Always use a moisturising cream if you have flaky, itchy, or dry skin.
• Try to maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid standing for a long time and take breaks to walk around.
• Try elevating your legs above the waist to improve blood flow.
• Since smoking damages blood vessels, try to quit.
• Do not wear tight clothes, as they restrict easy blood flow.

Varicose veins are not a condition to be worried about. When in doubt, always consult with your physician for a professional outlook on your condition. Try to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Also Read:

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→ Symptoms of a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

→ Symptoms of a Vesicoenteric Fistula

→ Symptoms of a Weak Sphincter Muscle

→ Symptoms of an Enlarged Urinary Bladder