Varicose Veins in Legs

Veins are blood vessels, which return the deoxygenated blood to the heart and lungs from other parts of the body. Varicose veins are veins, which are bulging, twisted and enlarged near the surface of the skin. These veins can be dark purple or blue in color. There are normally two types of veins which are seen, namely varicose veins and spider veins. There is a small variation in both these types of veins. In this article we will deal with varicose veins in legs. In some people, they will not cause any sort of pain or discomfort, but there are some cases where varicose veins may lead to more serious complications. They may also signal a risk of circulatory problems, deep vein thrombosis, etc.

What Causes Varicose Veins in Legs

Varicose veins are be formed in any part of the body. However, they are more common than in any other part of the body. There are a number of causes of varicose veins.

• Varicose veins are as a result of weakened valves. When the valves do not function properly, it causes blood to collect in the legs and pressure builds up on the veins, causing varicose veins.
• Varicose veins is a hereditary problem in a number of cases. It often runs in families. Aging may also increase the occurrence of varicose veins. It affects every alternate person after the age of 50.
• Standing or walking upright puts pressure on the veins in the lower part of the body, giving rise to varicose veins in the legs. A job requiring a person to stand for an extended period of time also increases the chances of varicose veins.
• In cases of women, pregnancy can cause varicose veins.
• Obesity is another common cause of these veins.

Symptoms

Veins which are dark blue or purple in color and are swollen and twisted under the skin are varicose. Some people may not suffer from any symptoms of varicose veins at all. However, there are others who may suffer from mild to severe symptoms. Most of these symptoms may aggravate after standing or sitting for extended periods of time.

• Heaviness, burning, aches, tiredness in the legs are the most common symptoms.
• Swelling of feet and ankles also are included in the symptoms.
• Itching sensation over the vein, though a symptom, is not a very common one.
• Swelling in the leg and calf pain after standing or sitting for long periods of time is also one of the symptoms of varicose veins.
• Change in skin color, inflammation, scaling, along with dryness and thinned skin are also said to be the symptoms of this condition.

Treatment

Most of the time, home treating the condition may help in alleviating the condition. If you are concerned about the cosmetic aspects or if you suffer from major discomfort, then medical treatment is the option.

Home Remedies
Home treatment includes wearing compression stockings, which will help in compressing the veins. Keeping the legs on an elevation also helps in dealing with the problem. It is recommended not to stand or sit in one place for an extended period of time. At the same time, exercises will help in alleviating the condition. In case the person is obese, losing weight goes a long way in treating the condition. Stretching exercises are also said to be of great help in treating the condition.

Medical Treatment
Laser treatment is prescribed in a number of cases to treat varicose veins. Radio frequency treatment is of great help in alleviating varicose veins. Scelerotherapy is used to block the veins, due to which blood no more fills in it. In severe cases, surgery may be the last option. With surgery the veins may be removed or cut off.

Although varicose veins in legs are hereditary, they can be kept under check with correct diet, exercise and by maintaining your weight. If the veins are not causing any discomfort, then you need not panic about it. If they are causing problems, then it is recommended you seek help from your health care professional at the earliest.