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Varicose Veins Causes and Risks:
In normal veins, valves in the vein keep blood moving forward toward the heart. With varicose veins, the valves do not function properly, allowing blood to remain in the vein. Pooling of blood in the vein causes it to enlarge.
This usually occurs in the veins of the legs, although it may occur elsewhere. Varicose veins are common, affecting 1 out of 10 people, mostly women between the ages of 30 and 60. Causes include congenitally defective valves, thrombophlebitis , and pregnancy . Prolonged standing or sitting, poor posture, and increased pressure within the abdomen will both increase susceptibility or aggravate the condition.
Primary varicose veins occur because of congenitally defective valves or without a known cause. Secondary varicose veins occur because of another condition, such as occurs when a pregnant woman develops varicose veins (because the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the veins that drain the legs).
Prevention:
Avoid prolonged standing or sitting if personal or family history indicates you are at risk of developing varicose veins.
Symptoms:
Signs and tests:
The diagnosis is based primarily on the appearance of the veins. Frequently, a duplex Doppler/ultrasound exam of extremity is used to see blood flow and characterize the vessels. Rarely, an MRI or angiography of the legs may be performed to rule out other disorders.
Signs and Tests:
The diagnosis is based primarily on the appearance of the veins. Frequently, a duplex Doppler/ultrasound exam of extremity is used to see blood flow and characterize the vessels. Rarely, an MRI or angiography of the legs may be performed to rule out other disorders.
Treatment:
Treatment may not be required unless the condition is painful or is causing skin ulcers . Treatment may be requested to improve the appearance.
Surgery such as vein stripping and ligation (removal of the varicose vein) or sclerotherapy of veins (injecting with a solution that causes scarring, which closes the vein) may be recommended.
Self-care may reduce symptoms. This includes raising the legs whenever possible to increase blood drainage, avoiding prolonged standing or sitting, and regular exercise to increase circulation. "Ace" elastic bandages or an elastic stocking may increase blood flow and relieve discomfort.
Prognosis:
Varicose veins tend to worsen over time. Discomfort and progression may be lessened with self care.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if varicose veins are painful, or if they worsen or do not improve with self treatment.
Also call if complications occur, including a sudden increase in pain or swelling, fever , redness of the leg, or the development of leg ulcers .
Vessels in the legs contain valves that help support the column of blood. With aging, these valves may become incompetent and the veins dilate. Varicose veins may lead to discomfort, skin ulceration, and clot problems (superficial venous thrombosis). Varicose veins tend to run in families.
Varicosities on the ankle: Vessels in the legs contain valves that help support the column of blood. With aging, these valves may become incompetent and the veins dilate. Varicose veins may lead to discomfort, skin ulceration, and clot problems (superficial venous thrombosis). Varicose veins tend to run in families. Here, the varicosities are located on the ankle.
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