Aren’t I too young to have varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a sign of underlying venous disease. Your veins can become varicose when the one way valves in veins become weakened or damaged. These one way valves are meant to assist blood flow up the leg and back to the heart. There are a number of risk factors that contribute to varicose veins. It is true that vein valves become weakened with age, but that does not mean that only older individuals suffer from vein disease and/or varicose veins.
Varicose and Spider Veins
Veins that are varicose appear as swollen, twisted veins that may protrude the surface of the skin. Sometimes varicose veins are deep within the tissue of the leg and therefore, are not visible but you can still experience the agonizing symptoms. However, when visible, you will see their rope-like, blue, purple or green appearance. Spider veins are often also present with varicose veins and are also caused by venous disease. These small, thin blood vessels are sporadically placed, not raised, and have a blue, purple or red appearance. When spider veins are present, they may be an indication of deeper varicosities.
Symptoms to look out for if you suspect you have venous disease are swelling, aching, restless legs, itchy, dry skin and tired, heavy legs.
Why you have varicose veins at a young age
A younger man or woman may develop varicose veins if they have a genetic predisposition to vein disease. Family members who have had varicose veins are a telling sign that you are far more likely to develop these enlarged, swollen veins, as well. The number one risk factor for venous disease is hereditary.
A sedentary lifestyle is also a big risk factor. Lack of movement or exercise causes leg muscles to weaken. The veins in the legs rely on muscles to contract, and use this strength to assist upward blood flow. By the same token, wearing extra tight clothing constricts the veins that run the length of the leg. Wearing loose-fitting clothing better allows your circulatory system to do its job.
Hormonal changes are also a major risk factor for venous disease. For women especially, puberty or birth control pills can be enough to cause a young person to develop varicose veins. Pregnancy adds extra pressure on the circulatory system and makes it more difficult for the blood in your legs to make it back up to your heart to be reoxygenated. According to the Society of Interventional Radiology, varicose veins affect one out of two people age 50 and older, and 15 to 25 percent of all adults. As you can see, you don’t have to be of middle age to experience vein disease in your legs.
Treatment is the same for the young and old alike!
Treatment options at Alpha Vein Clinic in Las Vegas are minimally invasive and nearly painless. It is recommended that no matter your age, if you have signs, symptoms, or appearances of venous disease, you should seek out a vein specialist’s opinion. At Alpha Vein Clinic, our physician, Dr. Sassan Kaveh is highly trained and has extensive experience in vein disease of the legs. Through the use of a doppler ultrasound, Dr Kaveh is able to to evaluate your individual vein condition and accurately identify which veins need treatment. Treatment is personalized to your specific needs, and recovery time can be as little as 48 hours or less with our newest, most advanced procedures which are minimally invasive. Call Alpha Vein Clinic today at 702-430- 7661 to set up an evaluation and consultation, at your convenience. Let our caring and knowledgeable staff help you achieve better vein health at any age.
Alpha Vein Clinic
Vein Clinic Las Vegas
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh
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