Varicose veins are swollen or enlarged veins that appear close to the skin’s surface. They typically occur in the legs but can form in other parts of the body.
Varicose veins develop when vein walls or valves become weakened or damaged. This allows blood to pool or flow backward, increasing the pressure within the veins. Over time, our veins can stretch, grow larger, or twist, leading to the formation of varicose veins.
There are several risk factors for varicose veins, including:
- Obesity
- Sex (women are more likely to get varicose veins than men)
- Family history of varicose veins
- Pregnancy
- Standing or sitting for long periods
- Taking birth control pills
- Going through menopause
- Older age
- Tobacco use
Individuals with varicose veins may experience:
- Veins that are visibly twisted, swollen, or bulging
- Veins that are blue, dark purple, or the same color as the skin
- A feeling of heaviness in the legs
- Itching around the areas of the varicose veins
- Pain in the legs
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
- Scaly, irritated skin that cracks easily
Untreated or severe varicose veins may also lead to complications such as blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, venous ulcers, or pulmonary embolism.
Varicose veins are diagnosed by performing a physical examination and assessing your medical history and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may also order imaging tests.
Treatment for this condition can include lifestyle changes such as elevating the legs when resting, wearing supportive or compression stockings, laser therapy, injection therapy, or surgery.
You can reduce the risk of varicose veins by focusing on lifestyle modifications such as avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, drinking adequate amounts of water, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting tobacco use, exercising, and elevating your legs above your waist when resting.
If you have questions or concerns about varicose veins, please schedule a consultation with our vascular surgeons at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.