The troublesome condition of varicose veins and spider veins may occur in both men and women of any ages. However, the condition usually affects pregnant women and older people. It is a very common condition that affects a lot of individuals around the world. Some medical researchers report that almost about 10 to 15% of men in the United States and the majority of older women are now affected with either varicose or spider veins.
Risk Factors
Multiple factors can cause varicose veins.
• Some of these causes include:
• Heredity and family history of varicose veins
• Growing old
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity and weight gain
• Prolonged standing or sitting
The actual causes of varicose or spider veins are not entirely known. In some cases, weakness or absence of valves in the veins may cause poor blood flow or circulation to the veins. The valves actually ensure that blood does not flow backwards. These valves are mostly located at the deeper veins and perforating veins.
In some particular cases, it may be the weakness of the artery walls that causes the pooling of blood. The walls of blood vessels become weaker and less versatile, which further causes the volume of blood to increase and create varicose veins.
Experts at Varicose Vein Center Houston have noticed that the contributing conditions include:
• Inflammation of veins called ‘phlebitis’
• Blood clots or blood flow obstruction in veins
• Congenital abnormalities causing malfunctioning of veins
Venous illnesses are progressive diseases and cannot be prevented entirely. However, in many cases, primary modalities like wearing support hosiery, reducing weight, and regular exercise may be beneficial.
Varicose vein symptoms
A lot of people who suffer from varicose veins do not have any physical discomfort. Most sufferers are merely concerned about the impaired cosmetic appearance caused by varicose veins. Some other symptoms of typical varicose vein cases include:
• Leg aching
• Cramping
• Prominent swelling
• Itching
• Intermittent fatigue
• Dull aches
• Pressure sensation at the site of varicose veins
In some extreme cases, more severe symptoms may also occur due to varicose veins such as profuse bleeding, thrombophlebitis, ulceration of skin, oozing dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis and so on. With a longstanding history of venous disease, one’s skin may become permanently scarred, which may further form an inverted “hourglass” look. If you find typical varicose symptoms, it is essential to consult an expert healthcare practitioner.
Diagnosis of varicose veins is done through a basic physical examination by an authorized physician. The process includes checking the family history of venous disease, the presence of symptoms and duration, any expansion or worsening of symptoms over time and so on. The sufferer’s weight, previous medical history, and co-existing medical conditions will also be noted to come up with a proper diagnosis.
Author bio: Janet James is a practicing venous specialist at Vein Center Houston. She has successfully treated various types of varicose and spider vein problems for many years now. Being an avid writer, she maintains a blog where she gives tips and suggestions related to the condition.
I feel fortunate to not have problems with varicose veins. I try to get out and walk several times a week because I know that exercise can be helpful. It sounds so painful and it is good that there are experts out there who can help.
This was really interesting to read. I know several people who suffer from varicose veins and I never knew all of the risk factors before thank you for sharing this information.
I swim 3 times a week and my veins are a bit prominent, but not quite varicose. For me, I think that exercise helps.