Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins that look blue and are close to the surface of the skin. They are unsightly and uncomfortable. Veins bulge and feel heavy. The legs and feet can swell. The skin can itch. Varicose veins may occur in almost any part of the body. They are most often seen in the back of the calf or on the inside of the leg between the groin and the ankle. Hemorrhoids (veins around the anus) can also become varicose.
Causes
Causes and risk factors for varicose veins include:
Obesity
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes at menopause
Activities or hobbies that require standing
or lifting heavy objects for long periods of time
A family history of varicose veins
Past vein diseases such as thrombophlebitis
(inflammation of a vein before a blood clot forms)
Often wearing clothing that is tight around
the upper thighs
Body positions that restrict lower leg
blood flow for long periods of time. One example is sitting on an airplane, especially in
the economy class section, on a long flight.
Treatment
Medical treatment is not required for most varicose veins unless problems
result. These include a deep-vein blood clot or severe bleeding, which can be caused by
injury to the vein. Problems can occur without an injury, as well. Your doctor can take an
X-ray of the vein (venogram) and/or a special ultrasound to tell if there are any
problems.
Medical treatment includes:
Surgery to remove the vein or part
of the vein
Sclerotherapy, which uses a chemical
injection into the vein, causing it to close up
Laser therapy, which causes the vein to
fade away
| Does it look like the varicose vein has broken open and is
bleeding a lot under the skin? {Note: Apply direct pressure on the skin area over the varicose vein.}  |
 |
| Has the varicose vein become swollen, red, very tender or warm to
the touch? |
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| Are varicose veins accompanied by a rash or sores on the leg or
near the ankle, or have they caused circulation problems in your feet? |
|
To Relieve and Prevent Varicose Veins:
Don't cross your legs when sitting.
Exercise regularly. Walking is a good
choice. It improves leg and vein strength.
Keep your weight down.
Don't stand for long periods of time. If
you must do so, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. Just
wiggling your toes can help, too.
Wear elastic support socks that go up to
the knee but do not cover the knee. The top of these socks must not be tight.
Don't wear tight clothing or undergarments
that constrict your waist, groin, or legs.
Eat high-fiber foods like bran cereals,
whole grain breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a
day. These things help prevent constipation. (Constipation contributes to varicose veins.)
To prevent swelling, limit your salt
intake.
Exercise your legs. (From a sitting
position, rotate your feet at the ankles, turning them first clockwise, then
counterclockwise, using a circular motion. Next, extend your legs forward and point your
toes to the ceiling, then to the floor. Then, lift your feet off the floor and gently bend
your legs back and forth at the knees.)
Elevate your legs when resting.
Get up and move about every 35-45 minutes
when traveling by air or even when sitting in an all-day conference. (Opt for an aisle
seat in such situations.)
Stop and take short walks at least every 45
minutes when taking long car rides.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99