Varicose veins are a common yet often misunderstood condition affecting millions of people worldwide. They are enlarged, swollen and often twisted veins that typically appear on the legs and feet. Although they may be considered a cosmetic concern by some, varicose veins can also lead to symptoms of discomfort and link to more serious health issues. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the causes of varicose veins, how to avoid getting them and the best treatments for their removal.
What Exactly are They?
The easiest way to describe varicose veins (or varicosities if you want their medical name) is that they are veins that have become enlarged and twisted. These veins appear to bulge beneath the skin and are usually blue or dark purple in colour. They occur when the valves within the veins, which are responsible for ensuring blood flows in one direction towards the heart, become weakened or damaged. This causes blood to pool in the veins which expands them and causes them to look swollen. Although varicose veins can form anywhere in the body, they are most commonly found in the legs and feet. This is due to the increased pressure in the veins of the lower body when standing and walking, which can cause the veins to expand and become more visible.
Difference Between Varicose Veins vs Thread Veins
Although varicose veins are commonly confused with thread veins, they actually differ significantly in appearance, causes and health implications. Even more confusing because you can have both of them at the same time.
Varicose veins are larger, bulging veins that appear blue or purple and often cause symptoms like aching, heaviness and swelling. They result from weakened or damaged valves in the veins and can lead to serious health issues, such as skin ulcers or blood clots if left untreated. In contrast, thread veins, also known as spider veins, are smaller, red or blue in colour and lie closer to the skin’s surface so are less bulgy. They are generally harmless and primarily a cosmetic concern. Thread veins are caused by factors like genetics, sun exposure and hormonal changes. Varicose veins may require removal with medical treatments such as sclerotherapy or surgery due to their risks of ulcers or clots. Thread veins however, do not need removal but are often treated with laser therapy or sclerotherapy for cosmetic reasons.
Varicose Veins Symptoms
Varicose veins may manifest in several ways and the symptoms can vary from person to person. You may experience one or several symptoms. It is important to recognise their symptoms and seek medical help early on as timely intervention can prevent them from worsening. Here are some of the most common varicose veins symptoms:
- Visible Bulging Twisted Veins: The most obvious symptom of varicose veins is their appearance. The veins often appear swollen, twisted and bulging. They resemble cords running along the legs beneath the surface of the skin.
- Swelling in the Legs & Ankles: People with varicose veins may notice swelling, particularly around the ankles and feet. This can be a result of fluid buildup due to poor circulation in the affected veins.
- Aching or Heaviness in the Legs: A common symptom is a feeling of heaviness or aching in the legs, especially after standing or sitting for long periods. This discomfort is often worse at the end of the day and can improve with rest or elevation of the legs.
- Itching or Burning Sensation: The skin around the varicose veins may become itchy or have a burning sensation. This can be due to inflammation in the veins or skin irritation from the condition.
- Muscle Cramps & Restlessness: Some individuals may experience muscle cramps, particularly at night, or a restless sensation in the legs.
- Skin Discolouration or Ulcers: In more severe cases, varicose veins can lead to skin changes such as discolouration, thinning or the development of ulcers. This is particularly likely around the ankles.
Causes of Varicose Veins
Several factors can contribute to the development of varicose veins and increase your risk of getting them. Knowing the causes can also help in managing and preventing the condition. Below are the most common causes and risk factors for varicose veins:
- Genetics: Family history is a significant predictor of your risk. If your parents or close relatives have varicose veins, you are more likely to develop them as well.
- Age: This is a natural cause of varicose veins. As we age, the valves in our veins may weaken and lose elasticity, making it harder for them to function properly.
- Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins. This is because hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause can contribute to the weakening of vein walls. Hormone treatments or birth control pills may also increase the risk.
- Pregnancy: In addition to the hormonal changes which affect the veins, pregnancy also increases the amount of blood in a woman’s body. Moreover, the growing uterus exerts pressure on the veins in the legs. These all cause veins to enlarge and varicose veins to develop.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on your veins, which can increase the risk of getting varicose veins.
- Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Occupations or lifestyles that require long periods of standing or sitting can increase your risk of varicose veins. This is because remaining in one position for extended periods can reduce blood circulation and cause it to pool in the veins.
- Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to poor circulation, increasing the likelihood of varicose veins. Regular exercise helps improve blood circulation and reduces the risk.
How to Prevent Them
Unfortunately you cannot completely prevent varicose veins, especially if you have a genetic predisposition or are a woman. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting them:
- Stay Active: Regular exercise, such as walking or swimming, helps improve circulation and strengthen veins.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping your weight in check reduces the pressure on your veins.
- Avoid Prolonged Periods of Standing or Sitting: Try to move around every 30 minutes to promote healthy blood flow.
- Elevate Your Legs: When resting, elevate your legs to improve circulation.
- Wear Compression Stockings: If you are at risk of developing varicose veins, consider wearing compression stockings to support vein function.
Best Treatments for Varicose Veins Removal
If you are experiencing discomfort from varicose veins or are concerned about their appearance, there are several treatment options available. Your doctor may also recommend removal if they’re worried about your varicose veins may lead to ulcers or clotting. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition, your symptoms and overall health. These are best treatments for varicose veins removal:
- Lifestyle Changes & Self-Care: For mild cases of varicose veins these 3 measures can help reduce symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. These are regular physical activity, elevating the legs when sitting or resting and wearing compression stockings.
- Sclerotherapy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a solution directly into the varicose vein. This solution causes the vein to scar and close, forcing the blood to reroute through healthier veins. Over time, the treated vein fades and the body eventually absorbs it. This procedure is effective for smaller varicose veins and spider veins.
- Laser Treatment: High-intensity light from laser removal therapy can destroy the varicose veins. This is a non-invasive treatment that works well for smaller veins just under the skin’s surface. Laser treatment usually requires multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.
- Endovenous Ablation Therapy: This involves using heat, usually from radiofrequency or laser energy, to close off varicose veins. A small catheter is inserted into the vein, and the heat damages the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal shut. Endovenous ablation therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that is effective for larger varicose veins. You can normally have it under local anaesthesia.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This procedure involves removing small varicose veins through tiny skin punctures. Ambulatory phlebectomy is useful for superficial veins and only requires local anaesthesia.
- Vein Stripping & Ligation: This surgical procedure is best for severe cases of varicose veins. Vein stripping and ligation involves tying off a vein before it joins a deep vein and removing it through small incisions. While this procedure is more invasive, it is highly effective for extensive varicose veins. However, you will usually need to have it under general anaesthesia.
Varicose veins are a common skin condition that can arise due to a variety of causes. Although the appearance is distinctive, the symptoms can vary greatly. There are a number of good removal options for varicose veins if you’re experiencing discomfort, are at risk of them causing skin disease or don’t like their appearance. However, prevention is always better than cure and so understanding the risk factors is key to avoid getting them in the first place. Additionally, early intervention is ket to best outcomes so seek medical advice if you suspect you have any of the symptoms.
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