What Are Varicose
Veins?
" Varicose veins
are twisted, enlarged, blue blood vessels that are close to the surface of the
skin.
" They are most
often found in the legs, but can be anywhere on the body.
Why Do They
Occur?
" The blood vessel
walls and valves become weak because of added pressure in the legs or affected
body part. Blood fills the weak vessels and causes them to enlarge.
Who Gets Them?
" Varicose veins
are common. About 25-40 percent of people get them.
" Their occurrence
increases with age.
" They occur more
often in women.
" People with a
family history of varicose veins have a greater chance of getting them.
" Standing and
sitting for long periods of time, pregnancy and being overweight are factors
that may lead to varicose veins.
Do They Hurt?
" People with
varicose veins may feel a heaviness in their legs or have swelling. Aching,
twitching, itching, tingling or cramps are also common.
" In some people
there are no symptoms
Are They
Dangerous?
" If not treated
varicose veins can lead to skin ulcers, skin infections, bleeding, changes in
skin color, swelling in legs
" There is a
possible, but not proven risk of blood clots in the legs of people with varicose
veins. The risk of blood clots is increased in people who have had blood clots
before or have family members who had blood clots. Women taking birth control
pills or hormone replacement therapy also have a higher risk of blood clots when
varicose veins are present.
How Are They
Treated?
Treating the Symptoms:
" There are some
things you can do to relieve the symptoms of varicose veins. Elevating your legs
and wearing compression stockings (similar to support hose) help to decrease the
size of the veins and relieve the swelling or feeling of pressure. A compression
stocking fits over the legs or affected area. The stockings should be put on in
the morning after having legs elevated above the level of the heart until the
swelling has decreased. Elevating your legs helps the blood return back to the
heart and decreases vein enlargement and swelling.
Long-term Treatment:
" Exercise, weight
loss if needed and blood pressure control.
" Surgery* to
remove varicose veins
" Laser or
radiofrequency therapy* to close varicose veins
" Sclerotherapy*
an injection of a solution to dissolve the varicose veins
*Discuss these
procedures with your healthcare provider to decide what treatment is best for
you and the risks and benefits of each procedure.
