How Varicose Veins Develop
Varicose veins are veins, often in the legs, that become enlarged with excess blood. Veins that are varicose are blue, purple or red and cause pain. Millions of Americans suffer from these enlarged veins; in fact, half of U.S. citizens over the age of 50 have varicose veins. However, you can develop these veins at any age.
Why Do Varicose Veins Form?
Varicose veins occur when your vein fails to function efficiently. Veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards. In the legs, blood needs to flow upward back to the heart, so when these valves fail, blood becomes backed up in the veins of the legs. Signs that tell you it is time to seek a specialist’s opinion include the following:
An achy or heavy feeling in your legs
Burning, throbbing or swelling legs
Leg muscle cramping or restless legs
Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
Itching around one or more veins
Color changes, hardening of the vein or inflammation of the skin
Your heart fills blood with nutrients and oxygen, arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body’s tissue. Veins return blood to the heart, to continue circulation. Your leg veins are the farthest from the heart, and have the difficult task of returning blood, against gravity, back to the heart. In a healthy circulatory system, muscles contract in the lower legs and act as pumps, pushing blood up the leg.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Women have a slightly higher chance of developing varicose veins due to hormonal changes. Pregnancy, birth control pill use and menopause are all major risk factors of varicose veins. If your occupation involves long hours of standing or sitting, this also puts you at risk. Your blood doesn’t flow as efficiently and becomes stagnant if you are in one position for long periods of time. The risk of varicose veins increases with age. The valves in vein walls become weakened with older age. Eventually, normal wear and tear on the body causes the valves to allow blood to flow back into your veins where it collects. Genetics are the biggest risk factor of varicose veins. If it is in your DNA, you are already predisposed to vein disease. Having family members with a history of varicose veins is a sign that you have a higher chance of developing varicose veins in your lifetime.
Why you should see a vein specialist:
Varicose veins are treatable and when first developing, not always painful. However, vein disease is progressive. If varicose veins are disregarded and left untreated, they will worsen and so will symptoms. Potential complications of varicose veins include ulcers, skin discoloration, blood clots and bleeding. Dr. Sassan Kaveh at Alpha Vein Clinic is a vein specialist with extensive training and has successfully treated these diseased veins. Dr. Kaveh can eliminate your painful vein disease symptoms by eliminating the source using the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments. If you have signs or symptoms of varicose veins, visit Alpha Vein Clinic in Las Vegas for an examination and consultation with our physician and vein specialist. Call us today!
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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