|
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.
Compiled by Ellen Boxer Goldfarb, CRNP, with the Jefferson Antithrombotic Service at Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Internal Medicine, Philadelphia.
|