Varicose Veins FAQ
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins (common misspelling is vericose veins) are veins that have become dilated and appear to pop out of the skin. They are usually blue-ish green in color and often appear on the legs, although they can appear in other places such as the face.
Are Varicose veins common?
Yes! Up to 60% of the American population will get varicose veins, or a smaller variation, at some point in their lives. Varicose veins are more common in women than in men. They are also more common with increasing age.
What causes varicose veins?
First we need to understand a little about how veins work. Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to nourish our body tissue. Veins carry deoxygenated blood (blue-ish green in color) back to the heart, which is why veins appear that color. When we move and breath, the muscles in our legs contract and help to squeeze the blood through our veins and up to our hearts. When we are standing still, the blood sits in the veins in our legs. Blood in our legs has to work against gravity to get back to our hearts. Luckily, our veins are designed with one-way valves to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. Unfortunately, when we stand still for long time periods, the pressure from the gravity takes its toll on our veins, causing both damage to the valves and the walls of the veins to dilate (swell). When this happens, a lot of blood collects in the veins, causing them to stick out of our skin. (Varicose veins).
Genetics: Heredity is a major risk factor for developing varicose veins. Nothing we can do about this one.
Aging: Our veins lose their elasticity as we age, making it much easier for varicose veins to develop.
Hormones: Certain hormones such as progesterone and estrogen cause veins to enlarge, hence increasing the odds of developing varicose veins. Pregnant woman are at an increased risk of developing varicose veins because of their elevated hormone levels, increased blood volume, as well as from the pressure the enlarged uterus puts on the blood vessels. The birth control pill and estrogen replacement therapy are also associated with an increased risk of developing varicose veins.
Extremely strenuous exercise: Performing extremely strenuous exercise that puts a lot of pressure on the veins can damage the valves, leading to varicose veins.
Being sedentary: It’s extremely important to move around as much as possible. People who’s occupations cause them to stand in one spot for long periods of time are much more likely to get varicose veins.
Read How to prevent varicose veins
Are Varicose veins dangerous?
No. Varicose veins are sometimes itchy
Can varicose veins be cured?
What are the different treatment options for Varicose veins?
