Varicose Veins Overview

What Are Varicose Veins?

A varicose vein is a superficial vein that becomes engorged or twisted from excessive pressure within its walls. This pressure is often the result of blood collecting or regressing through your veins. Varicose veins are extremely common, particularly in females. That’s because women’s veins withstand added pressure during pregnancy and hormonal changes.

• Varicose veins are most often found in the legs and groin because standing upright increases pressure on those veins.
• Varicose veins are swollen due to the buildup of pressure within the vein. They’re located beneath the skin, but often bulge above the surface. Their coloration is boldly bluish-purple or red. They have distinct twists in their formation.
• A vein disease (chronic venous insufficiency) typically causes these varicosities, since it involves valve failure and subsequent pressure within veins.
• Genetic predisposition plays a large role in developing varicose veins. Factors like pregnancy, weight gain, sedentary jobs, aging, and standing for long periods of time increase the odds of varicosity. Each of these variables elevate blood pressure in deeper veins, causing varicose veins to form beneath your skin.
• Varicose veins are easily treated with minimally invasive procedures in our California Vein Clinics. Most patients no longer require invasive surgery or downtime. Our gentle solutions alleviate both your cosmetic dissatisfaction with varicose veins and the physical symptoms.

Who Is Most Likely to Get Varicose Veins?

While varicose veins are more prevalent after age 30, even children can develop them. Women are the most common patients at California Vein Clinic, particularly those who have given birth or achieved menopause. Pregnancy takes a toll on circulation, increasing venous pressure in multiple ways. Men are more likely to develop varicose veins after age 50, since the genetic component and sedentary professions are their primary risk factors, particularly if they’re overweight. Women share the same risks as men, in addition to hormonal impacts, which is why they’re more prone to the issue.

What Causes Varicose Veins to Form?

Two physical things occur in the formation of most varicose veins. First, a valve within your vein that should close to keep blood moving upward fails to do that. Second, the walls of the vein stretch and weaken as they contain the accumulation of blood. Valves fail and vein walls weaken for numerous reasons, most of which point to a condition called venous insufficiency. Aging, injury, blood clots, inactivity, obesity, hormones, and other factors contribute to the proliferation of varicose veins. Many factors, including family history, are beyond our control. But there are lifestyle adjustments you can make to lower your risk. Once a varicose vein has formed, only a vein clinic can eliminate the defective vein.

What Are Some Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

Patient experience varies widely. Some patients won’t have symptoms, while others visit our vein clinics in San Diego and San Jose with the following issues:

• Bulging, engorged veins you can see and feel
• Tightness and swelling in your lower limbs
•  Legs that feel very heavy
• Spider veins branching around the varicose vein
• Lipodermatosclerosis- inflammation of fat (panniculitis) beneath the skin
• Discoloration in blue or brown shades on the lower extremities
• A rash-like irritation near the varicose vein (venous eczema)
• Leg cramping or restlessness
• Skin ulcerations that don’t improve with treatment