What Are Varicose Veins? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are usually dark purple or blue. They occur in the legs and can be painful and unsightly. Here’s a breakdown of the causes, symptoms and treatments relating to varicose veins.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins happen when the valves in the veins that regulate blood flow become weak or damaged. This causes the blood to pool in the veins and they enlarge. Key contributors to varicose veins are:

• Genetics: If you have a family history of varicose veins you’re more likely to get them.
• Age: The risk increases with age as the valves in the veins wear out.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause and hormonal treatments can increase the risk, especially with hormonal changes in the vein walls.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts extra pressure on the veins and increases the risk of varicose veins.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged sitting or standing can cause poor blood circulation and increased pressure in the leg veins.
• Injury or Trauma: Past injuries to the legs can damage the veins and make them more prone to varicose.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Symptoms of varicose veins can vary, but common signs are:

• Visible Swollen Veins: Dark purple or blue, bulging veins in the legs or other affected areas.
• Pain or Discomfort: Heavy aching feeling in the legs, especially after prolonged standing or sitting.
• Swelling: Swelling in the lower legs and ankles, especially after standing for long periods.
• Skin Changes: Changes in skin color or texture around the affected veins and in some cases, skin ulcers.
• Itching: Itchy or irritated skin over the affected area.

Treatments for Varicose Veins

Treatment for varicose veins depends on the severity of the condition and symptoms. They may include:

Lifestyle Changes

• Exercise: Physical activity can improve circulation and manage weight.
• Diet: High fiber diet can prevent constipation and reduce strain on the veins.
• Elevating the Legs: Elevating the legs can reduce swelling and discomfort.

Compression Therapy

• Compression Stockings: Graduated compression stockings can improve blood flow and reduce swelling by applying pressure to the legs.

Medications

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with discomfort.

Medications for Venous Insufficiency

Some medications can improve vein health and reduce symptoms.

Venoactive Drugs

Venoactive drugs are medications that improve venous tone and function. They may help with symptoms but are not specifically for varicose veins.

• Diosmin and Hesperidin: Flavonoids derived from citrus fruits that can improve venous tone and reduce symptoms like pain and heaviness in the legs.
• Rutosides (Rutin): A plant-derived compound that can strengthen vein walls and reduce inflammation. Used in Europe for venous disorders.

Topical Treatments

Topical Creams and Gels: Some products have ingredients like horse chestnut extract or witch hazel that may help with symptoms like itching and swelling, but the evidence is limited.

Dietary Supplements

While not medications per se, some dietary supplements can support vein health:

• Horse Chestnut Seed Extract: Used to relieve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
• Butcher’s Broom: Another herbal remedy that can improve circulation and reduce swelling.
  No medication has been proven in a clinical study but try these to prevent and treat varicose veins. If you see improvement after a few weeks or months, then we recommend to continue the treatment.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Our blood clots when we cut our skin and not in the veins as it travels throughout the body because the lining of the vein has cells that produce anticoagulants to maintain normal blood flow. If we damage those cells, the vein clots, spasms, and closes, and then eventually gets reabsorbed. Similarly, a deep or superficial vein thrombosis or clot is formed when there is trauma to the vein, excessive blood pooling such as during travel or after major surgery, or being bed-bound for a long time and is often associated with some defect in a person’s natural anticoagulant system. The person genetically may have a deficiency or overproduction of a clotting factor. The turning point of vein treatments was the idea that instead of the traditional method of stripping veins out, they could be left in the body and closed by a variety of methods. Closing the vein is done by eliminating the cells lining the vein via several different methods so blood can no longer travel in the vein.

Here are the minimally invasive procedures that are the mainstay of treatment today because they are low risk, quick recovery, minimal pain during and after the procedure, and proven effective. They are done in an office setting with local anesthesia.

• Laser Treatments: Laser energy closes off the feeding veins by disrupting the lining of the cell.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: Similar to a laser treatment but uses heat from RF energy to close varicose veins.
• Venaseal: A glue that is placed in the vein and held in place for 30 seconds by pressure. This also damages the lining or endothelium of the cell and the vein closes again.

Surgery

These are the traditional methods of treating varicose veins but must be done under general anesthesia, and in general, the recovery time is much longer with more post-operative pain.

• Vein Stripping: A surgical procedure to remove large varicose veins.
• Ligation: Tying off the vein to prevent blood flow but not proven to work.

When to See a Doctor

If you have symptoms of varicose veins that are interfering with your daily life or are developing complications such as ulcers or blood clots, you should see a doctor for evaluation and treatment options.

Contact Metropolitan Vein and Aesthetic Center Today

Varicose veins are a common condition that can affect many people, especially as we age or if we have certain risk factors. Knowing the causes, symptoms and treatment options is key to managing this condition. If you think you have varicose veins, talk to us at the Metropolitan Vein and Aesthetic Center.

The initial consultation is covered by insurance and we accept most health plans. If you don’t have insurance, the initial consultation is free and if you need additional testing or evaluation, the cost is reasonable. We’d be happy to see you anytime.