Normal Veins vs Varicose Veins: What's the Difference

Blog Post
By BASS Vein Center
Normal Veins vs Varicose Veins: What's the Difference
October 19, 2023

The cardiovascular system is an intricate network of vessels that carry blood through the body. It is responsible for providing blood to all the body’s tissues so they can function optimally. It also serves to rid the body of waste products. At the center of the cardiovascular system is the heart. It is a powerhouse organ that is responsible for pumping blood to the lungs to get oxygen. It then sends the oxygen-rich blood to the rest of your body through the larger vessels called the arteries. The veins, which are smaller blood vessels, function by carrying deoxygenated blood back to the heart to repeat the circulatory process. 

When your venous system is working properly, small valves within the veins push the blood along back toward the heart. When these valves become damaged or weak, blood isn’t able to be pushed back toward the heart. It backs up and begins to pool in the veins. When veins are healthy, they are unnoticeable. When they are malfunctioning, they become varicose veins. These present as enlarged, twisted, and knotted in appearance, usually in the legs. They are visibly bulging at the skin’s surface and often cause skin redness or discoloration at the site of the affected vein. Varicose veins are considered unsightly, and oftentimes they are a cosmetic issue. However, varicose veins can be painful if they are severe and left untreated. They can lead to ulcers, bleeding, and blood clots. 

Varicose Veins Causes

Varicose veins are more common among women. Certain risk factors may contribute to their development. Varicose veins causes include genetics, pregnancy, prolonged sitting or standing, and obesity. At the source of the issue is poor circulation. 

If you have varicose veins, it’s important to monitor them. If you know how to prevent varicose veins, you also know how to treat them. Oftentimes, it’s one and the same. A heart healthy diet and regular exercise can keep varicose vein pain and complications at bay. Eating foods that are high in fiber, low in salt, and rich in flavonoids helps promote better circulation. It helps reduce water retention and improve bowel function—2 common culprits for creating extra pressure on the healthy vein valves and aggravating already damaged valves. Try to incorporate flavonoid-rich foods into your daily diet. Great sources of flavonoids include citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, berries like blueberries and strawberries, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, and garlic.  

Physical activity is another great in-home treatment option—and prevention method—for varicose veins. The more movement in your daily activities, the better your blood will circulate. Even low impact exercises—like walking, swimming, cycling, and stretching—can help reverse or reduce the appearance and pain associated with varicose veins. 

How To Prevent Varicose Veins 

Our expert vein doctors can talk to you about how to prevent varicose veins and provide a myriad of treatment options available on site at our vein center. Aside from the physical pain and discomfort that can be associated with varicose veins, they can also cause feelings of insecurity. If this is the case for you, you can opt to have them treated to decrease their visibility or even render them invisible. If it is important to you to have them dealt with, we are more than happy to help. 

If you are seriously considering varicose veins treatment, BASS Vein Center would be more than happy to help address your situation. Call them at (925) 281-5912 or click here to set up an appointment. The insecurity, discomfort, and other issues that come with varicose veins can be difficult to handle. Don’t go about it alone. Let BASS Vein Center help you to handle the issue with experience, compassion, and professionalism. 

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