Overview.
Varicose veins are veins that are thickened and tortuous. It often occurs in the superficial veins of the legs. This is due to hydrostatic pressure acting on the veins in our legs when we are upright as humans.
For many people, varicose veins and red filament-like vascular changes in the skin simply affect the appearance of the legs. But for others, varicose veins can cause leg pain and soreness. Sometimes, varicose veins can cause more serious problems. Treatment is needed depending on the specific case, medication or
Clinical manifestations of varicose veins.
Some varicose veins do not cause leg pain. Signs include.
Veins thicken and appear dark purple or dark blue.
The varicose veins are tortuous and dilated, resembling strings around the leg.
When leg pain is present, it can manifest as:
A swollen or heavy feeling in the leg.
Burning pain or muscle cramps in the leg, swelling.
Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing.
Itching of the skin around the varicose veins.
Heavy, dark skin pigmentation around the varicose veins.
Spider web-like veins resemble varicose veins, but are smaller in diameter and closer to the skin surface. They are often red or purple in color and have a spider web-like shape.
When do I need to seek medical attention?
Exercise, elevating the leg at rest or wearing compression stockings does not relieve the pain and you feel a tendency to worsen it, you need to see a doctor.
Causes
Varicose veins are caused by incompetent or disrupted venous valves. The arteries carry blood from the heart to the tissues and the veins carry it back to the heart, creating a blood circulation. In order to return blood to the heart, the venous blood flow in the legs upward back to the heart needs to counter the effects of gravity.
Muscle contractions in the lower leg act like a pump, and the elasticity of the vein walls helps the blood return to the heart. The venous valves open as the blood flows toward the heart and then close to prevent the blood from flowing back. If the valves are weak or broken, then blood flow can back up and stagnate in the veins of the legs, causing the superficial veins to become tortuous and dilated.
Risk factors for disease
These factors can increase the risk of developing varicose veins.
Increasing age. The risk of developing varicose veins increases with age. Degeneration and atrophy of the venous valves in old age leads to incomplete closure, blood reflux, and stagnation.
Gender, women are more likely to develop varicose veins. Pregnancy, hormonal changes during menopause, can lead to relaxation of the vein walls. In pregnancy, blood volume increases and veins in the lower extremities dilate to accommodate more blood volume. Compression of the iliac veins by the enlarged uterus leads to poor venous return in the lower extremities.
Family history. If a parent has varicose veins, then there is an increased chance of family members having the disease.
Obesity, being overweight increases the pressure on the veins.
Standing or sitting for too long. If you stand or sit in one position for too long, blood flow slows down, causing stagnation of blood flow in the veins.
Complications
Complications of varicose veins, although uncommon, can be serious: the following
Skin ulcers . Often occur in the ankle area, mostly after skin pigmentation. Once a skin ulcer occurs, seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid the formation of a chronic ulcer.
Thrombosis. Occasionally, superficial vein thrombosis causes localized redness and pain, or causes deep vein thrombosis, resulting in pain and swelling of the limb. This is called thrombophlebitis.
Rupture and bleeding. Occasionally, a superficial vein ruptures and bleeds, often failing to stop the bleeding with compression, causing excessive blood loss and shock, requiring prompt hospitalization.
Prevention of varicose veins
There is not a good way to prevent varicose veins completely. However, it is possible to improve circulation and increase muscle strength to slow the progression of varicose veins. The following measures can not only improve symptoms but also prevent varicose veins.
Exercise moderately.
Maintain proper weight and avoid being overweight.
A high fiber, low salt diet.
Avoid high heels and tight-fitting clothing and socks.
Elevate your legs at rest.
Change position frequently when standing or sitting.