What causes varicose veins?
Veins have the job of carrying oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart to become oxygenated and pumped back through the body through arteries. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps, preventing the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs. If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there. This problem is called venous insufficiency. Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins typically occur when valves fail or leak, allowing for blood to flow backward under the force of gravity, which distends the veins. This backward flow, called “reflux,” causes blood to pool in the veins, resulting in the bulging appearance of varicose veins. Varicose veins can be a serious disorder that restricts work and leisure activities for both men and women. Risk factors include family history, pregnancies, trauma and occupations that require standing for long periods of time.
Can I ignore varicose veins?
Varicose veins can result in pain, fatigue, itching, burning, swelling, cramping and throbbing. People who suffer from these often feel better by lying down and elevating their legs. However, over time, these symptoms will worsen and the veins become larger and “rope-like.” If untreated there is a the legs can swell, lead to skin changes and even leg ulcers. Sometimes varicose veins, especially near the ankle, can rupture and cause profuse bleeding. Patients with varicose veins usually have some relief by wearing properly fitted medical support stockings. However, definitive therapy requires an intervention. Almost all varicose vein treatments can be done under local anesthesia and tiny incisions (minimally invasive).
Treatment Solutions
At Reno Vein Clinic, we first need to accurately determine problems. This normally involves a painless ultrasound and physical examination.
