Varicose veins are dark purple or blue in colour and are usually twisted and bulging in appearance. Some people with varicose veins may experience pain or discomfort. As well as their distinctive appearance, symptoms of varicose veins can include: aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs swollen feet and ankles burning or throbbing in your legs muscle cramp in your legs, particularly at night dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein These symptoms are usually worse during warm weather or if you’ve been standing up for long periods of time. They may improve when you walk around or if you rest and raise your legs up. Pillows are a good way to raise your legs up comfortably. Varicose veins usually develop on the legs, either on the back of your calf or on the inside of your leg. However, they can also sometimes occur in other parts of your body, such as your: gullet (oesophagus) womb (uterus) vagina pelvis rectum (back passage) Weakened valves Inside your veins are tiny one-way valves that open to let the blood through and then close to prevent it flowing backwards. Sometimes, the walls of the veins can become stretched and lose their elasticity, causing the valves to weaken. If the valves do not function properly, this can cause the blood to leak and flow backwards. If this happens, the blood will collect in your veins, which will become swollen and enlarged. The reasons why the walls of the veins stretch and valves in your veins weaken are not fully understood. Some people develop the condition for no obvious or apparent reason. Increased risk A number of things can increase your likelihood of developing varicose veins, including: gender genetics age being overweight occupation being pregnant other conditions Gender Women are more likely to be affected by varicose veins than men. Research suggests this may be because female hormones tend to relax the walls of veins, making the valves more prone to leaking. Hormones are chemicals produced by the body. Genetics Your risk of developing varicose veins is increased if a close family member has the condition. This suggests varicose veins may be partly caused by your genes (the units of genetic material you inherit from your parents). See genetics for more information about how you inherit your physical and behavioural characteristics. As you get older, your veins start to lose their elasticity and the valves inside them stop working as well. Being overweight Being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins, which means they have to work harder to send the blood back to your heart. This can put increased pressure on the valves, making them more prone to leaking. The impact of body weight on the development of varicose veins appears to be more significant in women. You can use the healthy weight calculator to check whether you are overweight. Some research suggests jobs that require long periods of standing may increase your risk of getting varicose veins. This is because your blood does not flow as easily when you are standing for long periods of time. During pregnancy, the amount of blood increases to help support the developing baby. This puts extra strain on your veins. Increased hormone levels during pregnancy also cause the muscular walls of the blood vessels to relax, which also increases your risk. Varicose veins may also develop as the womb (uterus) begins to grow. As the womb expands it puts pressure on veins in your pelvic area, which can sometimes cause them to become varicose. Although being pregnant can increase your risk of developing varicose veins, most women find their veins significant improve after the baby is born. See the pregnancy guide for more information about preventing varicose veins during pregnancy. Other conditions In rare cases, varicose veins are caused by other conditions. These include a previous blood clot a swelling or tumour in the pelvis abnormal blood vessels Varicose veins can cause complications because they stop your blood from flowing properly. Most people who have varicose veins will not develop complications, but if you do, it will usually be several years after your varicose veins first appear. Some possible complications of varicose veins are explained below. Bleeding Varicose veins near the surface of your skin can sometimes bleed if you cut or bump your leg. The bleeding may be difficult to stop. You should lie down, raise your leg and apply direct pressure to the wound. Seek immediate medical advice if this does not stop the bleeding. Thrombophlebitis Thrombophlebitis is inflammation (swelling) of the veins in your leg caused by blood clots forming in the vein. This can occur within your varicose veins and it can: be painful look red feel warm When thrombophlebitis occurs in one of the superficial veins in your leg it is known as superficial thrombophlebitis. A superficial vein is a vein located just under the surface of your skin. Like varicose veins, thrombophlebitis can be treated with compression stockings. In some cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed. Chronic venous insufficiency If the blood in your veins does not flow properly, it can interfere with the way your skin exchanges oxygen, nutrients and waste products with your blood. If the exchange is disrupted over a long period of time it is known as chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency can sometimes cause other conditions to develop, including those described below Varicose eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become red, scaly and flaky. You may also develop blisters and crusting of your skin. This condition is often permanent. Lipodermatosclerosis causes your skin to become hardened and tight, and you may find that it turns a red or brown colour. The condition usually affects the calf area. A venous ulcer develops when there is increased pressure in the veins of your lower leg. This causes fluid to seep from your vein and collect under the skin. The fluid can cause the skin to thicken, swell and eventually break down to form an ulcer. Venous ulcers most commonly form in the ankle area. You should see your GP immediately if you notice any unusual changes in your skin, such as those mentioned above. These conditions can usually be easily treated, but it is important you receive treatment as soon as possible.
Posted on: Mon, 02 Sep 2013 09:08:30 +0000