Varicose veins are visible veins most commonly affecting the legs. They range from fine thread veins to lumpy protruding veins which can become quite large. In many cases, affected people find them unsightly, and this can impact the way people live their lives, particularly in the summer months. The dilated veins can be associated with symptoms, the most common of these being aching, cramping and heaviness in the legs. People affected can also experience considerable itching.
What causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins occur most commonly due to failure of valves in veins usually found 1-2 centimetres under the skin, called the truncal veins or saphenous veins. When working, these valves in these veins stop blood running back down the legs under the influence of gravity. If the valves fail, the blood refluxes down the leg, causing branches of these veins to full with blood, dilate and grow larger. This increased pressure in the veins leads to the symptoms associated with varicose veins.
Are Varicose Veins dangerous?
Varicose veins can lead to medical issues, over and above their unsightly nature.This can lead to lower leg swelling (oedema), which can be painful. The veins may become blocked with clot and become tender and inflamed (thrombophlebitis). This can be associated with an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
The skin on the lower part of the leg can become flaky and inflamed (venous eczema). If untreated, brown discoloration and staining of the skin around the ankles can occur, which is the first indication that a venous ulcer may develop. Venous ulceration requires extensive treatment for the ulcers to heal, which may take many months. Avoiding the development of ulcers is thus much more preferable. contact me
