Varicose Veins: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Presented by Bandages Plus as part of our health management informational and resource collection to help with your lymphedema bandaging and wrapping and other healthcare needs. With Bandages Plus, you can rely on our professional, expert help to ensure that you get the proper healthcare products. You are also able to choose the exact bandaging supplies and quantities by customizing your order, and we always offer free shipping for on-line orders over $99. With our wide product offering and over 30 years in the healthcare field, Bandages Plus is an experienced partner and is truly your one-stop shop for all of your medical, healthcare and lymphedema products.

Understanding Varicose Veins – An Overview

Varicose veins affect approximately 20% of adults in the United States and up to 30% of adults worldwide. While varicose veins are one of the most common of the circulatory conditions, they are more prevalent in certain population demographics. While varicose veins are generally not a serious medical condition, severe cases of the disease can lead to other health complications such as:

Superficial thrombophlebitis which is a painful inflammation of the veins near the skin surface caused by blood clots.
Bleeding can occur when the skin over a varicose vein becomes thin and fragile and is prone to breaking.
Venous ulcers (open sores) can form on the skin, typically near the ankles, and are the result pressure caused by pooled blood.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which is a blood clot in a deep vein, that carries a higher risk of traveling to the lungs.

It is important to understand the causes and symptoms of varicose veins so that they may be properly diagnosed and treated.

What Are Varicose Veins

The medical term “varicose” comes from the Latin word “varix,” which means twisted. Varicose veins are a common form of venous disease and represent a circulatory condition that results from valve dysfunction which occurs when veins in your legs weaken and are unable to do their job or don’t function properly. Instead of transporting blood from your legs back to the heart, the blood remains in your legs and begins to pool. Over time the increased pressure within the vein walls from the pooled blood can cause the veins to twist.

These twisted veins can range from small, thin lines to large, bulging blue or purple cords that protrude significantly just beneath the surface of the skin. While they can develop anywhere in the body, varicose veins most commonly affect the superficial veins of the legs and feet due to the increased pressure that these areas experience when standing and walking.

Beyond the unsightly appearance of these twisty, rope-like bulging veins just beneath the skin’s surface, varicose veins can also cause symptoms of swelling and a feeling of heaviness and pain which can negatively impact everyday activities. In extreme cases, having varicose veins can increase the risk for developing other serious health problems, such as leg ulcers and blood clots. Varicose veins are also one of the symptoms indicating the development of venous insufficiency.

What Are The Causes Of Varicose Veins

When speaking about the causes of variose veins, you have to consider both the primary causes of the disease as well as factors which contribute to the disease.

Causes Of Varicose Veins

The primary and fundamental cause for the development of varicose veins lies valve dysfunction, which is the failure of the one-way valves within veins that normally prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves fail to properly close, due to having become weak or damaged, blood begins to flow in the wrong direction and accumulates (pools) in the affected vein. This condition, called venous reflux or venous insufficiency, creates increased pressure that gradually stretches and damages the vein walls. With time the increased pressure within the vein walls from the pooled blood can cause the veins to twist, resulting in varicose veins.

Other non-modifiable risk factors which contribute to the development of varicose veins include:

Genetic predisposition - family history can be one of the strongest predictive factors for developing varicose veins. Inherited traits can affect vein wall strength, valve function, and overall circulatory system efficiency. Those with a family history of varicose veins often develop the condition earlier and may experience more severe symptoms than those without genetic predisposition.

Aging process - the aging process is a natural contributing factor to vein valve deterioration and wall weakening. Over time, the elastic fibers in vein walls lose their strength and flexibility, making them more susceptible to stretching and damage. Additionally, years of exposure to gravitational pressure and repeated stress from daily activities gradually wear down the delicate valve structures.

Demographic predisposition - certain demographic groups demonstrate significantly higher rates of varicose vein development than others. Women over age 40 represent the highest-risk group, particularly those with multiple pregnancies, family history of vein problems, or occupations requiring prolonged standing or sitting. Women are significantly more likely to develop varicose veins than men, with studies indicating that women are two to three times more susceptible to this condition and that approximately 40% of women develop some form of varicose veins.

Contributing Factors Causing Varicose Veins

Lifestyle and environmental factors can also accelerate or contribute to varicose vein development. Each of these factors should be considered when assessing your risk for the development of varicose veins.

Certain occupations, jobs or activities that require prolonged standing or sitting in one position for long periods can create sustained pressure in the leg veins, prevent effective blood circulation and increase the risk of valve failure resulting in varicose vein formation.

Obesity and excess body weight can contribute to varicose vein development by increasing pressure on the leg veins and reducing overall circulation efficiency. The additional weight also requires the circulatory system to work harder to transport blood throughout the body, while extra pressure on the abdomen can impede blood flow from the legs back to the heart.

Smoking and the use of tobacco products can significantly increase the risk of developing varicose veins. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, reducing the blood flow and increasing the pressure on the veins, while tar and carbon monoxide weaken the walls of the vein, making them more prone to bulging. Studies have shown that smokers are twice as likely to develop varicose veins than non-smokers.

Having had previous injuries, surgeries, or trauma may have damaged vein walls or valves resulting in weak points within the veins that are more susceptible to varicose vein development. Even minor injuries that affect blood flow patterns can contribute to long-term circulatory problems which will increase the risk for varicose veins.

Pregnancy also significantly increases the risk of developing varicose veins. During pregnancy the uterus cause direct pressure on the major veins that return blood from the legs to the heart, while pregnancy hormones cause blood vessels to relax and become more prone to stretching. Additionally, increased blood volume which occurs during pregnancy puts additional strain on the overall circulatory system.

Where Do Varicose Veins Occur

While varicose veins can develop anywhere in the body, they most commonly affect the legs and feet. The legs are most frequently affected with varicose veins because they bear the greatest burden in returning blood to the heart against gravitational forces. Also, simple activity such as standing or walking creates sustained pressure in the leg veins, making them more vulnerable to valve failure and the subsequent development of varicose veins. While less common, varicose veins can also develop in other areas of the body, including the arms, face, and pelvic region.

What Are The Symptoms Of Varicose Veins

The symptoms of having varicose veins include both visual as well as physical symptoms. In many cases, varicose veins may not cause any symptoms at all beyond their bulging, twisted appearance. It is important to consider both of these potential forms of symptoms when assessing the development and severity of varicose veins.

Visual Symptoms Of Varicose Veins

The most obvious symptom or sign of having varicose veins is the distinctive visual characteristic of the affected veins appearing blue, purple, or dark blue-green in color, which is a stark contrast compared to the surrounding natural skin tone. The afflicted veins have a twisted, bulging appearance, resembling thick cords or ropes running beneath the skin surface which become more pronounced when standing.

Physical Symptoms Of Varicose Veins

In addition to the obvious visual signs, varicose veins are frequently accompanied by a range of uncomfortable physical symptoms that can negatively impact the overall quality of life. These physical symptoms of varicose veins include:

Swollen ankles and feet
Aching, heavy or tired feeling in the legs, that worsens throughout the day
Itching or a burning sensation around the veins
Pain, throbbing, or cramping in the legs, especially at night
Changes in the skin color around the affected veins
Presence of dry, irritated, or scaly skin that can crack easily

Prevention, Treatment And Reversal Of Varicose Veins

There is no full-proof way to prevent the occurrence of varicose veins, and once damage to the veins in your legs occurs it cannot be fully reversed. However, with proper treatment, varicose veins can be managed to prevent progression of the condition into something more serious.

There are several methods of self-care that can be used to help prevent and for treating mild cases of varicose veins, to include:

Elevate Your Legs: Lifting your legs above the level of your heart for 30 minutes or longer at least three times per day can help reduce pressure in your leg veins and encourages the blood to flow back to your heart.
Avoid Prolonged Standing Or Sitting: If your occupation allows, try to avoid standing or sitting in one place for prolonged periods of time. Standing or sitting stationary in one place for long periods will increase the pressure on your veins which can contribute to the formation of varicose veins.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity such as walking and other forms of exercise (especially low-impact exercise such as swimming and cycling) can enhance the blood circulation in your legs and is a great way to avoid development of varicose veins.
Weight Management: Excess weight can put pressure on your veins and can lead to the development of varicose veins. A combination of a healthy diet and exercise can help achieve and maintain your ideal body weight.
Proper Hydration: Staying properly hydrated will help thin the blood, making it easier to flow through your veins.
Maintain An Active Lifestyle: Sitting or standing in one place or position for too long can hinder the proper flow of blood. Try to remain active, take regular breaks to move around or change your body position to simulate blood circulation.
Wear Compression Stockings: Wearing compression stockings can provided additional pressure in your legs to help the leg veins pump blood back to the heart and prevent pooling.
Smoking and tobacco use:: Smoking can contribute to the development of varicose veins as it can constrict blood vessels, trigger inflammation in the veins, damaging the lining and vein walls, while weakening their valves. Therefore, you should consider the effects of smoking and the use of tobacco products on your vein health.
Clothing Selection: Consider your choice of clothing as tight fitting clothes and high heeled shoes can restrict blood circulation.

For more severe conditions, varicose veins may be treated with either non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical procedures such as a sclerotherapy, laser or radiofrequency ablation, or a phlebectomy.

........................................................

Varicose Veins Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some of the more frequently asked questions about varicose veins include:

What Are Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a mild form of venous disease that is caused by valve dysfunction in the veins of your legs. When varicose veins form, the leg veins are unable to properly pump blood back to your heart causing the blood to pool and resulting in the veins near the skin surface to bulge.

What Are Common Varicose Vein Symptoms

swollen feet, ankles and legs
feeling of heaviness, cramping or aching in your legs
itching or burning of the skin around the veins
changes in skin color near the affected veins

What Is The Best Treatment For Varicose Veins

The most common treatment for varicose veins is using compression therapy to help reduce swelling and the discomfort that you may be feeling in your legs.

How To Reverse Varicose Veins

Once it develops, there is no way to fully reverse varicose veins. The only way to manage (treat) varicose veins is through one of the prescribed varicose vein remedies such as compression therapy.

Will I Develop A Vein Ulcer From Varicose Veins

venous ulceration

Is There A Special Diet For Varicose Veins

Weight management is a key element for preventing and managing varicose veins. While there is no special diet for varicose veins, you should consult with your healthcare provider to develop an exercise and dietary regimen that will help you manage your weight.

What Is The Varicose Vein ICD 10 Code

The primary varicose vein ICD 10 diagnosis code is I83. ICD 10 diagnosis codes specific to the affected limbs also exist. It is important that you consult with your healthcare provider for the exact ICD 10 diagnosis code for your particular situation. The ICD-10 medical coding system is used to classify diseases, symptoms and other health conditions.

........................................................

Additional Resources For Understanding Venous Disease

Click here to read more about venous insufficiency.

Click here to read more about chronic venous insufficiency.

Click here to read more about venous insufficiency ulcers and venous ulcerations.

Click here to read more about treating venous insufficiency venous ulcerations.

Click here to read frequently asked questions about chronic venous insufficiency.