Varicose Veins: Causes and Treatment

Published at 29 October 2024

Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins under the skin, and often appear on the legs and feet. It is a common condition that does not usually cause health problems, but it may cause discomfort or pain. (1)

Varicose veins occur when the valve of the veins in the leg is damaged. Normally, blood moves in one direction, upward to the heart. But when these valves weaken, blood collects in the leg, which increases pressure on the veins, leading to their swelling and the appearance of varicose veins. (2)

Symptoms

Varicose veins appear in the form of swollen and twisted veins just under the skin. They may be blue or purple in color, and may sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms, such as: (5)

Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the leg muscles.
Leg edema.
Pain, itching, or discomfort in the area, especially after sitting or standing for long periods.
Leg cramps when resting, especially at night.
Dryness and peeling of the skin around the varicose veins.

Symptoms of varicose veins may get worse during the menstrual cycle in women.

What is the difference between varicose veins and spider veins?

Spider veins differ in shape from varicose veins, as they are characterized by: (4)

Smaller and thinner than varicose veins.
It is painless and does not cause symptoms.
It resembles the shape of a blue spider web or tree branches.
Superficial.
They usually appear behind the knee, feet, and face.

Causes

The chances of developing varicose veins in the legs usually increase due to these things: (3)(4)

Women, especially during pregnancy, and the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle and menopause.
Obesity.
Sitting or standing for long periods.
Aging.
A family history of varicose veins in the legs.
Having some conditions that increase pressure on the legs, such as severe constipation and tumors.
Smoking.
Previous blood clots in the legs.
Use of hormonal medications such as birth control pills.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the condition and severity; Adhering to some simple tips to improve lifestyle may help relieve pain and swelling and prevent varicose veins from getting worse. But if these measures are not enough or the symptoms are severe, the doctor may consider other surgical treatment options aimed at removing or closing varicose veins. (6)

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes to relieve the symptoms of varicose veins and prevent further development include: (6)

Losing excess weight.
Elevate the legs when sitting or lying down to relieve swelling.
Walk and exercise regularly to encourage blood flow in the legs.
(You should avoid strenuous exercises or lifting weights, as they increase varicose veins)
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods; Or try to change the posture, if that is not possible, about every half hour.
Wear comfortable shoes, avoid high heels.
Quit Smoking.

Wearing compression stockings

Compression stockings are medical stockings that cover the legs and feet, and work to compress the veins equally to improve blood flow from the bottom to the heart, and thus help reduce swelling and varicose veins, and prevent clot formation. Compression stockings can be obtained from pharmacies or medical supply stores, and you must consult a doctor to choose the appropriate type and size. (2)

Medical and surgical treatments

These treatments aim to remove or close varicose veins completely, as they disappear after approximately 3 months, sometimes more or less depending on the type of surgery, and these treatments include: (2) (4)

Treating varicose veins with injections: It is commonly used. The doctor injects the varicose veins with a chemical that makes the walls of the veins stick together and close. The person usually needs 2-3 sessions for the best results.
Laser treatment of varicose veins: It is used to treat simple varicose veins, where a laser device is directed at them, and the person needs 3 or more sessions.
Varicose vein ligation surgery: It is rarely used, due to the availability of non-surgical treatment methods, but the doctor consider it for large varicose veins or in case of failure of other treatments, as the affected varicose veins are surgically tied to prevent blood flow in them.

Don’t let varicose veins hold you back from feeling your best! If you’re experiencing discomfort or symptoms, reach out to Al-Ahli Heart Center for expert advice and effective treatment options.

References:

Is this article useful?