Most of the time, varicose veins are not a cause for concern. Dangerous complications can occur, but are rare.
Varicose veins are quite common, affecting approx 23 percent of adults in the United States.
These dark veins tend to bulge under the skin, making them easy to spot. They are more likely to appear on the lower legs, but they can also develop elsewhere.
Keep reading as we take a closer look at varicose veins, their potential complications, and signs you should see a doctor.
Varicose veins are veins that bulge and twist, causing them to bulge. If you run your fingers over them, you can feel the bumps. They are usually purple-blue or red in color.
Varicose veins can appear anywhere. It may surprise you to know that hemorrhoids are a type of varicose veins.
While they can develop anywhere, varicose veins are most commonly found in the legs. This is because the veins in the legs have to work against gravity when circulating blood.
So, what exactly causes these veins to swell?
Basically, varicose veins are caused by increased blood pressure in the veins. You may develop varicose veins if you have weak or damaged valves in your blood vessels.
The valves inside your veins work by making sure that blood flows in one direction and doesn’t flow backwards. When these valves weaken, it can cause blood to pool in the vein instead of moving forward. This can cause the vein to stretch and twist.
Anyone can develop varicose veins. Is more frequent in women, possibly due to hormonal changes. It is also more common in older adults due to the effect of aging on the veins.
Other factors that can increase the risk include:
- family history of varicose veins
- portliness
- pregnancy
- prolonged standing or sitting
- smoking
What about spider veins?
You’ve probably also heard of spider veins, which are in the same family as varicose veins.
Spider veins are smaller clusters of twisted veins, usually red or blue in color. You can see them under the skin, but they don’t swell.
Spider veins are painless and tend to appear on the face or legs. Although you may not like the look of them, spider veins are not physically harmful.
Most people do not develop serious problems due to varicose veins. The complications are rarebut may include:
Research it also suggests that people with varicose veins are at increased risk for:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This happens when a blood clot develops in a deep vein, usually in the thigh or lower leg.
- Pulmonary embolism. This happens when a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, which can be life-threatening.
Further studies are needed to determine whether the relationship between these conditions is due to a common set of risk factors.
Most of the time, varicose veins are not a cause for concern. In addition to the outward appearance of these veins, you may have other symptoms, such as:
- throbbing or pain in the vein area
- itching, burning around the vein
- dry, irritated skin;
- heaviness and fatigue in the legs
- muscle cramps
- pain when sitting or standing for a long time
See your doctor if you’re concerned about your veins or if you can’t find relief from the discomfort they cause.
Seek medical attention if you notice any of the following about your varicose veins:
- darker patches of skin, sores or ulcers;
- bleeding veins
- veins that are painful and warm
- persistent pain and swelling
If a blood clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can be potentially life-threatening. Shortness of breath, which can be sudden or gradual, is the most common symptom of a pulmonary embolism. Other symptoms may include:
If you are short of breath, with or without any of the symptoms listed above, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Varicose veins do not always require treatment. However, they can sometimes get worse, which can increase the risk of complications.
Wearing compression stockings can improve the function of the veins and muscles in your legs and help relieve symptoms. You can buy compression stockings over the counter at most drug stores and where medical supplies are sold, or your doctor can write a prescription for a specific type.
Here are some other things to remember:
- Varicose veins that develop during pregnancy may improve on their own.
- You can seek treatment, even if your only concern is their appearance.
- Self-care measures, such as regular exercise or wearing compression stockings, are not always enough to relieve the pain, discomfort, or other problems you may experience with varicose veins.
For varicose veins that are not severe, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:
- Sclerotherapy. This is a procedure in which the doctor injects a solution into the veins, causing them to scar and shrink. Varicose veins should fade within a few weeks. The procedure can be done in your doctor’s office.
- Laser treatment. This procedure does not involve needles or incisions. Instead, bursts of light are sent into small varicose veins, after which they slowly disappear.
For more advanced or persistent varicose veins, your doctor may recommend:
- Catheter-assisted radiofrequency or laser energy. These procedures may be more helpful for larger varicose veins.
- High vein ligation and stripping. In this procedure, a vein is tied before it connects to a deep vein. The vein is then removed through small incisions.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy. This procedure involves removing smaller varicose veins through small punctures in the skin.
- Endoscopic venous surgery. This procedure is generally a last resort. It is likely to be used when leg ulcers are involved and other treatments have already been tried.
You may not be able to completely prevent varicose veins, but there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of developing them.
If you already have small varicose veins, these steps may also prevent the veins from getting worse.
- Do some type of exercise every day. This can help improve your circulation and prevent blood pooling in your veins.
- Manage your weight. Carrying extra weight puts extra pressure on your veins.
- Limit salt. Too much salt can raise your blood pressure and cause fluid retention.
- Avoid tight clothing and high-heeled shoes. These can restrict your blood flow and make it easier for blood to pool in weaker veins.
- Raise your legs above heart level. Doing this several times a day can help reduce fluid retention and pooling of blood in your legs.
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods. Set an alarm as a reminder to move for a few minutes every hour. Try to raise your legs if you can.
- Avoid smoking. Nicotine can cause blood vessels to constrict, which restricts blood flow. Smoking also weakens blood vessel walls, raises blood pressure and increases the chance of blood clots.
Varicose veins are dark, bulging veins that tend to appear in the legs. These veins are usually not dangerous, but sometimes there can be complications, such as blood clots, bleeding, and skin ulcers.
If you have varicose veins, self-care measures such as elevating your legs and wearing compression stockings may relieve symptoms.
Treatment for more severe cases includes injections, laser therapy, and surgery. You can get treatment even if your only concerns are cosmetic.
If you have any questions about veins that look different, be sure to talk to your doctor about possible complications and treatment options.
