Varicose Veins ?

​If you have noticed varicose veins on your legs, you are not the only one.  It is a common vein condition that affects up to 3 in 10 people.  Some people with varicose veins may only have a change in physical appearance with no other symptoms.  Others have long-term leg pain and swelling. 

Is It Possible To Prevent Varicose Veins From Getting Worse?
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

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What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins develop when blood flow in the veins does not go in the right direction.  Blood usually returns to the heart, but with varicose veins, it pools in the legs instead.  It can happen when specific vein structures weaken. 
Scientists do not entirely understand why this occurs.  However, they believe these are some common causes of varicose veins:
Weak valves - Veins have valves to prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction.  But as these valves weaken, the blood pools inside the vein.  It causes veins to get bigger, which makes them look more visible and twisted.
Weak vein walls - Increased pressure in the veins can cause them to lose the ability to stretch.  Vein walls weaken if they cannot stretch, and this causes the veins to widen.  When veins are more expansive than usual, blood is more likely to flow in the opposite direction and pool in the legs.
Genetics - Scientists are still studying the genetics of varicose veins.  However, they have linked around 30 possible genes to varicose veins.  These genetic links may also increase the risk of inflammation, increasing the risk of varicose veins.
 
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Varicose veins show up as enlarged, blue veins on the legs. Sometimes, they have no symptoms, which makes it easy for people to miss them.  When there are symptoms, they can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms of varicose veins can include:

• Deeper skin tone or discoloration in the lower legs
• Heaviness in the legs when standing but which lessens with walking
• Needle-like sensation in legs
• Swelling in the ankle or legs
• Tenderness over the veins
• Tiredness and fatigue in the legs

 
Who is most at risk for varicose veins?
While it is not entirely clear why varicose veins happen in some people, experts have found some things that can increase your risk of getting them.  Some of these risk factors for varicose veins include:

• Age - Your risk of varicose veins increases with age and may double when you reach 65.
  
  
• Family history - If you have a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with varicose veins, you also have a higher risk of getting them.
  
  
• Gender - People assigned female at birth have a higher risk of varicose veins.
  
  
• Pregnancy - Increased abdominal pressure can increase pressure on the veins.
  
  
• Prolonged standing - Professions that require standing for 4 hours or more can lead to increased pressure in the veins.
  
  
• Smoking - Toxins in cigarette smoke can damage the lining of the blood vessels, making varicose veins more likely.

If any of these apply to you, discuss the best ways to lower your risk with your health care provider. 
 
How do you prevent varicose veins from getting worse?
Treatment for varicose veins can help prevent them from getting worse and resolve your symptoms.  Treatments will vary depending on how severe your symptoms are.
Conservative treatment options
Treatments for varicose veins are not invasive, so no recovery time is needed.  These treatments also tend to be more affordable. They include:

• Compression stockings - These apply pressure to the legs to reduce blood pooling.  It can reduce the symptoms of swelling and heaviness in the legs.
  
  
• Leg elevation - Elevating the legs can help blood flow in the right direction.
  
  
• Regular aerobic exercise - The leg muscles help move blood back to the heart, decreasing pooling risk.
  
  
• Stopping smoking - Stopping smoking can help prevent further damage to the blood vessels and worsening of varicose veins.
  
  
• Weight loss - A heavier body weight can increase the pressure on vein structures.  Keeping a healthy weight range can help improve blood flow.

 
Interventional therapy
These therapies are more invasive and usually use imaging. These treatments include:

• Endovenous obliteration - A provider puts a small catheter in the vein to add heat that will close the vein.
  
  
• External laser therapy - This technique uses lasers to close the veins.  It is best for smaller veins.
  
  
• Sclerotherapy - A provider injects a substance into the veins, causing them to collapse.

 
Surgery
This can be a good option for more severe varicose veins.  However, this treatment requires more recovery time and may be more painful.  Surgery options include:

• Ligation - The vein is tied off near its weakened area, stopping blood flow into the vein to prevent pooling.
  
  
• Vein stripping - A provider puts a catheter in the vein and attaches a cold probe to it so they can remove the vein.