What are Varicose
Veins?
Blood is pumped through the arteries by the heart to the extremities and
is returned via veins back to the heart. When prolonged pressure or an
obstruction of the vein occurs, the valve is stretched and does not close
properly which allows blood to travel back down the veins into the legs.
These valves are normally one way and channel the blood back to the heart
but when stretched become incompetent. Veins in the leg near the surface
of the skin then enlarge which results in varicose veins. These can be
minor or large which resemble grape-like bunches of veins in the legs.
The smaller blue veins in the legs are called thread veins, spider veins
or dermal flares and are often seen alongside larger varicose veins. Both
of these kinds of veins are usually caused by the same factors. If left
untreated varicose veins gradually get worse and can lead to skin change
damage or ulcerations near the ankle.
Why do varicose veins occur?
Many people with varicose and thread veins find
that the problem is hereditary. Studies have shown that in some families
where both parents have varicose vein problems that there was an 80% chance
that their children would suffer from similar problems.
Perhaps one third of the adult population suffer from varicose veins.
There
are a number of other factors which play an important part in the development
of varicose veins e.g. prolonged standing - especially for
those workers with jobs where they are constantly on their feet such
as waitresses, flight attendants etc. Our diet may also play an important
part if we have a high fat content and refined sugar and a low fibre
content,
this contributing to varicose veins occurring. Age is also another factor,
as varicose veins may become more frequent as we get older. Nevertheless
varicose veins can appear at any time of life.
The menopause, puberty
and pregnancy are other factors which also can contribute to varicose
veins. It is common for pregnant women to develop
varicose veins during the first few months of their pregnancy. Hormone
levels, blood volume and pressure in the pelvis are increased during
pregnancy and this can cause the veins to enlarge. The majority of varicose
veins
caused during pregnancy will disappear a few months after delivery.
What are the symptoms?
Swelling of the ankle often appears after long hours of standing and is
accompanied by aching, burning, fatigue, heaviness and cramps in the legs.
People are often more concerned about the aching that varicose veins cause
and even smaller veins can result in severe aching making standing for
any length of time difficult.
What can I do to prevent them?
Walking is very good for the veins as it produces a pumping action helping
the blood return to the heart from the legs. Avoid standing for long periods
if possible but if unavoidable due to the nature of the occupation, then
a few steps should be taken regularly to aid circulation. Support stockings
can help reduce the likelihood of varicose veins. It is important to note
that there are currently no drugs or creams on the market which are able
to prevent or treat varicose veins. If varicose veins are treated early
the long term and cosmetic results are better.
| 
