Common Health Issues

Varicose Veins: Causes, Prevention and Treatment

• By Rich Health Editorial Team
• January 09, 2025

Varicose veins are knotlike, twisting enlargements of the veins, usually just beneath the skin of the legs.

 

Varicose veins often appear first in women during pregnancy. If they are already present, they may become considerably worse. The veins require particular attention in pregnancy, as there is a risk of an inflammation known as Phlebitis.

There may be a crampy sensation, itching, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Varicose veins may be painful. If they are neglected, the skin covering them may become inflamed. Eventually ulcers or other complications may develop.

 

CAUSES OF VARICOSE VEINS

Varicose veins result from a breakdown of the valves that are found at regular intervals of the veins.

 

It is through these valves that blood flows back to the heart, after having been pumped to the extremities through the arteries. These valves divide the veins into sections, each valve forming a floor to support the blood above it.

When a valve is faulty or degenerates, it cannot support the blood; when a number of valves in a surface vein break down, the weight of the column of blood can distend the vein.

 

Varicose veins are seen most frequently in persons whose work requires them to stand or to sit upright for long periods. 

 

 

A tendency toward valves that break down easily has been found to run in families. Any increase in the internal pressure of the blood in the veins also strains the valves.

 

This can be caused by heavy lifting, abdominal tumors and pregnancy. There may also be a connection between endocrine glands and the valves which tend to degenerate with age.

 

In addition to being unsightly, varicose veins usually cause some trouble eventually, generally in the form of dull, nagging aches and pains. The ankles may swell. The enlarged veins can become the site of infection; and because the resistance of the surrounding tissue has decreased, a bruise or injury can become serious.

 

The resulting varicose ulcers are not easy to clear up, especially in elderly people or diabetic

 

PREVENTION OF VARICOSE VEINS

In mild cases, varicose veins can be handled adequately by such measures as eliminating tight shoes and tight garters that restrict the circulation; elevating the feet at intervals; and walking about occasionally instead of standing or sitting still for long periods. 

Sometimes, wearing an elastic stocking or bandage for even part of the day will support a varicose vein and prevent it from becoming distended.

TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS

In severe cases, or with individuals to whom appearance is especially important, varicose veins can and should be eliminated. There are two ways in which this can be done. One method is surgical: the distended veins can be cut or else ligated (tide off). Afterwards, the blood will flow through other veins.

 

The other method is medical: a fluid is injected into the varicose vein, causing it to harden, after which the blood can no longer flow through it and will seek a new course. However, very large veins or other considerations may make the surgical treatment the better one.

Varicose veins can safely be treated by injections in older people, or in pregnant women if they would otherwise suffer pain for some months before childbirth. It should be done in those rare cases where an infection of the blood vessels has injured the deep veins, because the circulation in the leg would then be interfered with.

 

Of course. Eliminating one or more varicose veins will not prevent other valves from breaking down or other varicose veins from developing. People who have to work in certain occupations or who have a marked tendency toward faulty valves in the vines are apt to have to contend repeatedly with this nuisance disease.