Varicose Veins: The unsightly swollen veins

Jul 28, 2019 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists

By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

I am certain that you have, or someone you know has, varicose veins. It affects up to half our population with about 10-20% of persons having visible varicose veins. They are basically veins that are swollen and may bulge above the surface of the skin and may be twisted and are often blue or dark purple. These veins are most commonly found on the legs or feet, but they can also be found on the groin. There are also deeper and larger varicose veins that you can’t see. Hemorrhoids (piles) occur because of varicose veins.

Dr Zulfikar Bux

Today we will discuss how these veins form and what options you have if you are suffering from them
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF VARICOSE VEINS?
Varicose veins can be painful. You may have a feeling of heaviness or tiredness in your legs. Your legs may ache or throb where there are varicose veins. You may also have swelling of your legs that go down when you elevate them. This swelling is called venous stasis. Sometimes, your skin may be itchy. In some severe cases, ulcers or blood clots may develop. If you begin to have any of these symptoms, let your doctor know immediately. Varicose veins can bleed significantly and can also lead to chronic leg sores if they worsen.
WHAT CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS?
Veins return blood back to the heart so that it can be recirculated to the rest of your body. There are valves in your veins that open to allow the blood to flow toward the heart. In some people, the valves may stop working correctly, allowing blood to flow back down into the veins; This often happens because the valves have stretched over the years. Blood then pools in the veins, causing them to swell even more. The veins in your legs are especially vulnerable because those veins have to work against gravity to get the blood back to your heart. This is why most varicose veins are found in the legs.
HOW ARE VARICOSE VEINS DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor often will be able to diagnose varicose veins simply by examining your legs. Other times, your doctor may order tests to look at how well your blood is flowing before diagnosing you.

CAN VARICOSE VEINS BE PREVENTED OR AVOIDED?
Some people are more at risk for developing varicose veins. Risk factors include:
• Genetics: Varicose veins tend to run in families.
• Gender: Women are at greater risk of developing varicose veins.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes, pressure from the uterus, and increased blood volume make varicose veins common during pregnancy.
• Age: The risk for varicose veins increases with age. About 50% of people over the age of 50 have varicose veins.
• Obesity: Being overweight puts additional pressure on your veins.
• Job: If your work means you have to stand for long periods of time without moving around, you are more likely to get varicose veins.
There are several things you can do at home to improve the symptoms of varicose veins:
• Lose weight, if you are overweight.
• Avoid standing for long periods of time.
• Raise your legs while you are sitting. If possible, keep them above the level of your heart.
• Wear loose clothing.
ARE THERE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Your doctor may recommend that you wear compression stockings. These are stockings that provide gentle, consistent pressure. This will help keep blood from pooling in your legs and reduce swelling from venous stasis when you are sitting or standing. Compression stockings can be found at pharmacies and medical supply stores.
If your symptoms don’t get any better with at-home care, or if you don’t like the way varicose veins look, there are more invasive treatment options available. These include surgery, laser therapy, and injection therapy. Your doctor can recommend which procedure would be the best option for you.
If you have varicose veins, know that you aren’t alone. It’s a common condition, especially among women. Make sure you see your doctor to help prevent complications that can arise from them.

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