If you’ve never had varicose veins, you have certainly seen them. Maybe you just didn’t know what they were called. But we all know those unsightly bulges that typically appear on the calves or the thighs. A lot of us think that they just come with aging or with bad luck. But there are actually a number of things that can cause them.
Here’s what you need to know about varicose veins:
What Causes Varicose Veins?
The reason that these ugly bulges appear is that the veins become weak and aren’t able to send the blood back up to the heart. The blood pools in the veins instead, causing them to swell and bulge above the skin.
They often appear in the legs because they are lowest on the body and have to work the hardest against gravity to get the blood back to the heart. Veins often weaker as you age, which is why so many people associate varicose veins with aging. But this doesn’t mean that you will get them just because you get older.
Pregnancy can also cause varicose veins because it causes more blood to move through the body but also makes it harder for blood to travel from the legs to the pelvis. The growing baby can also put pressure on the veins in the legs.
Standing and sitting for long periods of time can increase your risk of varicose veins, but they are not causes of this problem. Being obese or having a family history of varicose veins also increases your risk.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
In most cases, you won’t have to wonder if you have varicose veins. It will be obvious because you will see the big, blue ropey veins right under the surface of your skin. However, you might experience other symptoms. These can include:
- An ache in your legs
- A heavy feeling in your legs
- Pain after sitting for a long time
- Itching near the veins
- Burning, throbbing, or cramping in your lower legs
- Inflammation of the skin
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options right away. If left untreated, these veins can lead to complications like ulcers and blood clots.
Treatment for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can not only cause you to feel embarrassed about the look of your legs and damage your self-esteem, but they can also bring down your quality of life by causing pain and discomfort. They can even lead to more serious health issues, like blood clots that can cause an embolism.
Fortunately, there are many out-patient treatment options for varicose veins. Laser therapy and special injections can be used to close off the vein and to cause it to be re-absorbed by the body. The right treatment will depend on the cause of the varicose veins and the health condition of the individual in question.
If you are ready to take care of your veins and get the legs you love back for good, let us help – call 713-987-4507 to speak with our experts today.
Coastal Vascular Houston is happy to serve the Greater Houston Metroplex, Pearland, Lake Jackson, Friendswood, Galveston County, Harris County, Fort Bend County, Southeast, East, and South Central Houston, Texas. Schedule an appointment with our friendly staff today.
