Varicose Veins: What are They and Should I Be Concerned?

Blog Post
By BASS Vein Center
Varicose Veins: What are They and Should I Be Concerned?
October 19, 2023

Varicose veins are usually not a reason for concern. If dangerous complications develop, they are typically rare. But because these complications can occur, it’s vital to learn more about them and your treatment options.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are dark and bulging veins that appear close to the skin. They typically show up in the lower legs but have also been known to appear in other places of the body. Varicose veins are common and affect around 23% of all adults in the US. The veins are usually blue, purple, or reddish in color. If you touch them, you can feel the bumps caused by the twisting of the vein.

Varicose veins are typically found in the legs because the veins in the legs have to work against gravity when circulating blood throughout the body back up to the heart.

What Causes Varicose Veins to Become Swollen?

Varicose veins are caused by an increase in blood pressure. It is possible to develop varicose veins if the valves in your blood vessels are weak or damaged.

The valves inside the veins work by ensuring the blood continues to flow in one direction and does not flow backward. When the valves are weak or damaged, it will cause the blood to pool inside the vein instead of moving forward to the heart. That will cause the veins to twist or stretch and become swollen.

While anyone can develop varicose veins, women are more likely to get them than men. It is believed to be due to the hormonal changes that females experience. Older adults who are over the age of 50 are also more likely to develop these veins.

Additional factors that could put you at risk for varicose veins include:

  • Prolonged sitting or standing at your job
  • Smoking
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Having a family history of varicose veins

Should I Be Concerned About Varicose Veins?

Many people do not develop serious health issues because of varicose veins. Complications from them are rare, but they can include blood clots, minor bleeding close to the skin, and ulcers that form near the veins.

Studies have shown that people who have varicose veins are at a much higher risk of developing DVT or a pulmonary embolism.

DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually located in the lower leg or thigh.

A pulmonary embolism is when a blood clot breaks off and travels up toward the lungs. This condition can be life-threatening.

What Are Varicose Veins Treatment Options?

Varicose veins do not always require treatment. But if they are causing pain or discomfort, you may want to have them removed. There are several types of treatment used for varicose veins. The following are two of the most common treatment options.

Sclerotherapy

With this procedure, the doctor injects a solution into the veins that causes them to shrink. The veins fade away within a few weeks. This procedure can be performed inside the doctor’s office.

Laser Treatment

With this procedure, there are no needles or incisions involved. Instead, bursts of light caused by the laser are sent into the veins to close them. The light causes the veins to slowly fade away over time.

Find Varicose Vein Treatment Near Me

If you are dealing with the pain of varicose veins, and want to learn more about your treatment options, get in touch with our team here at BASS Vein Center and make an appointment to see a varicose veins specialist. We have various types of treatment available that can help eliminate the pain and appearance of varicose veins.

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