Why varicose veins in legs

A physical examination, mainly visual, by a doctor will decide whether or not a patient has varicose veins. The patient will be asked to stand while the doctor checks for signs of swelling. The patient may also be asked questions about the symptoms. In some cases, a doctor might refer the patient to a vascular specialist. Varicose veins occur when blood pools in the veins as it tries to return to the heart to pick up fresh oxygen. They are common in people's legs as….

Varicose veins affect around 20 percent of the population. In some people, they may be very uncomfortable and even painful. In this article, we look…. Learn all about sclerotherapy, a procedure most commonly used to treat varicose veins or spider veins and some other conditions. It involves injecting…. A look at varicose vein pain, a condition where swollen veins become painful.

Included is detail on prevention, potential causes, and when to see a…. Doctors often recommend compression stockings to improve circulation, prevent varicose veins from becoming worse, and reduce pain and discomfort. What can I do about varicose veins? What are varicose veins? Treatment Symptoms Causes Home remedies Prevention Diagnosis Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisting veins, often appearing blue or dark purple.

Share on Pinterest An example of varicose veins in the leg. Figure A shows a normal vein with a properly working valve. In Figure B , the varicose vein has a faulty valve, the walls of the vein are thin and stretched. Home remedies. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Can essential oils reduce varicose veins? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

Home remedies for varicose veins. What is sclerotherapy? Medically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, M. All you need to know about varicose vein pain. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Do compression stockings help to treat varicose veins? Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Other symptoms 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 The symptoms are usually worse during warm weather or if you've been standing up for long periods of time.

When to see a GP If you have varicose veins and they do not cause you any discomfort, you may not need to visit a GP. Varicose veins are rarely a serious condition and do not usually require treatment. But speak to a GP if: your varicose veins are causing you pain or discomfort the skin over your veins is sore and irritated the aching in your legs is causing irritation at night and disturbing your sleep The GP can diagnose varicose veins based on these symptoms, although further tests may be carried out.

Read about diagnosing varicose veins. Causes of varicose veins Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly. Certain things can increase your chances of developing varicose veins, such as: being female having a close family member with varicose veins being older being overweight having a job that involves long periods of standing being pregnant other conditions Read about the causes of varicose veins.

Treating varicose veins If treatment is necessary, your doctor may first recommend using compression stockings, taking regular exercise and elevating the affected area when resting.

The most common treatment options include: endothermal ablation — where heat is used to seal affected veins sclerotherapy — this uses special foam to close the veins ligation and stripping — the affected veins are surgically removed It's unlikely you'll receive treatment on the NHS for cosmetic reasons — you'll have to pay for cosmetic treatment privately.

Back to Varicose veins. 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 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 collects in your veins, which become swollen and enlarged. The reasons why the walls of the veins stretch and the valves in your veins weaken are not fully understood. Some people develop the condition for no obvious or apparent reason. 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, and changes may be caused by pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome or the menopause.

This suggests varicose veins may be partly caused by your genes the units of genetic material you inherit from your parents. Visit our page on genetics for more information about how you inherit your physical and behavioural characteristics.