Veins are the blood vessels that transport blood back to the heart. Several things, including genetics, pregnancy, aging, and medical conditions such as diabetes, can cause vein problems. Some common vein problems include spider veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and varicose veins Upper East Side.
Varicose veins occur when valves inside the veins of the legs don’t work properly. These valves are responsible for returning blood from the feet and legs to the heart so that it can be pumped to other body parts. When these valves fail, blood pools in certain areas of your legs and causes swelling that may look like a bulge or cord under your skin.
Here is more about varicose veins;
Symptoms of varicose veins
- Swelling (edema) in your legs
- Tired, aching legs
- Pain in your calves when standing for long periods
- A feeling of heaviness or fullness in your legs
Factors that cause varicose veins
Gender
Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins because their hormone levels fluctuate during pregnancy and menopause. This changes blood flow patterns in their bodies and can cause weak spots within their vein walls where blood tends to collect.
Family history
If you have a family history of varicose veins or have had them yourself, you are more likely to get them again. You may also be more likely to develop other inherited conditions, such as venous insufficiency, where blood flows back into your vein due to weak valves or phlebitis (inflammation of the vein).
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, increased pressure in your abdomen puts pressure on your leg veins and can make them bulge outwards from their usual position. This makes it easier for them to become twisted and damaged over time.
Treat options for varicose veins
Stockings: Varicose veins can be treated with compression stockings or surgery. Compression stockings are tight garments worn around the leg that squeeze the veins and help prevent blood from pooling in the leg. Sometimes, surgery is required to remove varicose veins.
Elevation: Elevation (raising your legs above the heart level) is also an effective treatment for varicose veins because it decreases blood flow through your legs. This decreases pressure on your veins and helps them work better by reducing swelling and inflammation.
Surgery: Surgery is another option to treat varicose veins, but it is not always necessary. If you have severe symptoms or complications related to varicose veins, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove them altogether.
Laser therapy: Laser therapy is a minimally invasive procedure for treating varicose veins. It works by using high-intensity laser light to destroy the small blood vessels in and around the varicose vein. This minimizes the chance of recurrence and minimizes scarring.
Varicose veins are abnormally dilated veins that can cause leg pain and swelling. They often develop due to aging, prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, and hormonal changes such as during menopause. Although most people do not consider varicose veins a serious health condition, they can cause discomfort and embarrassment if not treated. If you need help with varicose veins, contact Upper East Side Cardiology.
