Varicose veins are swollen, twisted blood vessels visible just under the skin. They often look blue or purple and usually appear on the legs, feet, and ankles. They can cause discomfort or itching. Smaller, red or purple vessels called spider veins often appear around varicose veins and look like thin lines or webs on the skin.
Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?
For most people, varicose veins are not harmful, though they can be unsightly and uncomfortable. However, in severe cases, they can lead to more serious health issues, like blood clots. Most symptoms can be managed at home or treated by a doctor using injections, laser therapy, or surgery.
Difference Between Varicose and Spider Veins
Varicose veins are larger, swollen vessels that appear twisted and bulging. Spider veins are smaller and thinner, appearing like red or blue webs or branches, and are close to the skin’s surface. Spider veins are usually painless and can show up anywhere on the body, often on the legs, feet, or face, while varicose veins are mostly found on the legs and feet.
Who Gets Varicose Veins?
Anyone can develop varicose veins, but certain factors increase the risk:
Age: Blood vessels lose elasticity and valves may not work well as we age.
Gender: Female hormones can make vessels more prone to stretching. Pregnancy, birth control pills, and menopause can increase the risk due to hormonal changes.
Family History: Varicose veins can run in families.
Lifestyle: Long periods of standing or sitting can reduce circulation. Tight clothing can also restrict blood flow.
Overall Health: Conditions like severe constipation or certain tumors can increase pressure in the veins.
Tobacco Use: Smoking increases the risk.
Weight: Excess weight puts extra pressure on blood vessels.
How Common Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are very common, affecting about one-third of adults. They are more prevalent in people assigned female at birth than those assigned male.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Bulging: Twisted, swollen vessels that are blue or purple, often in clusters.
Heavy Legs: Legs may feel tired or heavy, especially after physical activity.
Itching: The skin around varicose veins may itch.
Pain: Legs might feel painful, achy, or sore, especially behind the knees, and can experience cramps.
Swelling: Legs, ankles, and feet may swell and throb.
Skin Discolorations and Ulcers: Untreated varicose veins can cause brown skin discoloration and, in severe cases, skin sores (ulcers).
Where Do Varicose Veins Appear?
Varicose veins typically develop on the lower half of the body, such as calves, ankles, and feet. They can also appear in the pelvic area, especially in people who have had children. Varicose veins in the testicles (varicocele) can affect fertility.
Causes of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins happen when vessel walls weaken and blood pressure inside increases. This causes the vessel to stretch, and the valves that help blood flow in one direction stop working properly. Blood then pools in the vessel, causing it to swell and twist.
Factors that weaken vessel walls and valves include:
Hormonal changes
Aging
Excess weight
Tight clothing
Prolonged standing or sitting
Diagnosing Varicose Veins
Doctors can usually diagnose varicose vessels through a physical exam by looking at and feeling the affected area while the patient is standing or sitting. To get a detailed view and check for complications, they may recommend an ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create images of the blood vessels, showing any blood clots and how well the valves are working.