Varicose Veins
The Who and Why of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins or Varicosis is the sequel generally to phlebitis. Varicose veins are very common, primarily affecting women. More than 20 percent of women develop some form of varicose veins, either during pregnancy or as they age. Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue. They normally appear close to the skin’s surface and occur on legs as a result of obstruction of the veins or malfunctioning valves inside the veins like prolonged pressure.

Varicose veins are not a disease in themselves although they can cause daily irritation and worry. People with this problem should consult their GP to discuss whether treatment is necessary. Varicose veins are enlarged veins that result from a weakening in the vessel wall. They generally result from high pressure and congestion within the veins. Varicose veins are obvious, dilated veins found just under the skin. In normal veins the valves make sure blood only moves in one direction.

Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and swollen with blood. Veins have valves along their inner surface. The purpose of these valves is to keep blood moving toward the heart and not to flow backward toward the feet or pool in the veins of the legs. Varicose veins are almost always caused by valve deterioration in the veins of the leg. Varicose veins tend to occur in superficial veins, those are the veins closer to the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are one of the commonest reasons for surgical intervention in the Western world and yet their aetiology is poorly understood. Remodelling of the extracellular matrix is an important cause of the changes in the walls of varicose veins, and alterations in the balance between matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMP) and their inhibitors (TIMP) have been proposed to play a role.

Varicose veins are a long-term problem, but symptoms can wax and wane. If you are pregnant and experiencing severe problems with varicose veins, your symptoms will improve following delivery. Varicose veins are more common in women, and people are more likely to get them as they get older. These veins can be genetic. Varicose veins are frequently treated by eliminating the varicose veins to let blood flow through the remaining healthy veins. This can be done by sclerotherapy or surgery.

Varicose veins are deeper than spider veins. Their gnarled and enlarged appearance is caused by swollen blood vessels. Varicose veins are caused by a malfunction of the valves in superficial leg veins. As a result, the valves may have trouble closing - leading to venous reflux. Varicose veins are easy to see, especially when you are standing. The doctor will also check your legs for swelling, tender areas, skin colour changes, ulcers, and other signs of skin breakdown.

Varicose veins are generally less common in men. Still, approximately 25 percent of men 30 to 40 years of age, and almost 50 percent of men age 70 and older have benign vascular lesions. Varicose veins are caused by swollen or enlarged blood vessels. The blood vessels have enlarged due to a weakening in the vein's wall or valves. Varicose veins are the undesirable pathways where venous blood refluxes back into the congested extremity. Ablation of the varicose pathways invariably improves overall venous circulation.

Varicose veins are usually visible through the skin and may appear bluish in color. A common symptom is swelling and/or weakness in the legs after prolonged standing or sitting. Varicose veins are bulky bluish veins that usually appear on the legs during pregnancy. This happens due to your body is compensating for the extra blood flow that is going to your baby. Varicose veins are dilated superficial veins normally invisible underneath your skin. There are normally two systems of veins in your leg: a superficial system and a deep system.

Compression hosiery is the traditional non-operative method of treating varicose veins. While it improves symptoms and venous blood flow, this improvement is restricted to the time the stockings are worn, and poor compliance is a major limitation. Compression stockings are worn after the procedure, and walking is encouraged.

For more information refer to pages on Varicose Veins, Venous Conditions and Venous Self Help

by Gail Burton -

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