Varicose veins are abnormally swollen and knotted veins that often occur in the legs. The veins can be seen just under the surface of the skin. Varicose veins usually cause few symptoms other than being unsightly in some cases. However, some people experience complications, especially over several years. The veins become painful, produce skin ulcers or result in blood clots. Surgery to remove varicose veins is done both for cosmetic and health reasons.
Function
Blood flows from the heart to the lungs to get oxygen and bring it to tissues throughout the body, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains. The blood then flows back to the heart through the veins to get more oxygen. Valves that help keep the blood flowing to the heart can become weakened or damaged, causing the blood to pool in the veins and resulting in the swelling and appearance of varicose veins.
Time Frame
The risk of getting varicose veins may depend on such factors as a family history of varicose veins or age, the Mayo Clinic says. Varicose veins usually occur in people ages 30 to 70 and increase with age because of the wear on the valves in the veins. Women are more likely to develop the condition because of hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause. Hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills may increase risks of getting varicose veins. However, women tend to have varicose veins treated sooner than men because of cosmetic concerns. Obesity and standing for long periods of time also affect blood pressure on the veins and reduce blood flow.
Identification
Symptoms that indicate medical attention is necessary include a heaviness, aching or pain in the legs, according to Medline Plus, a website for the National Institutes of Health. The veins may become enlarged and visible. Swelling of the ankles or a brown discoloration of the skin at the ankles may occur. In severe cases, skin ulcers occur, usually near the ankle.
Considerations
Self-care is often recommended before medical procedures or if the condition is not severe, the Mayo Clinic notes. Patients try exercise, losing weight, wearing loose clothing and keeping the legs elevated as much as possible while avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time. Compression stockings squeeze the leg to help veins and leg muscles improve blood flow. If those methods do not provide improvement, surgery may be necessary.
Prevention/Solution
Surgical options include sclerotherapy, in which a solution is injected into small varicose veins to scar and close them. The veins often fade in a few weeks. Laser surgery is also used on small varicose veins. Small beams of light are sent onto the veins to help them disappear without incisions, the Mayo Clinic says. Catheters are used when a surgeon inserts the thin tubes into large veins and heats the catheter tip. The heat destroys the vein, which collapses, as the catheter is pulled out. In vein stripping, the veins are removed through incisions. Tiny video cameras are sometimes used to see the veins before removing them with small incisions. Surgery for varicose veins is usually done on an outpatient basis.
