What are varicose veins? They’re when your veins, typically in the leg, start to look huge and gnarly.

Though typically the extent of the problems these veins cause is purely cosmetic, they can present health issues that warrant more active treatment.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are caused by increased pressure placed on your veins, such as when you’re walking. Veins are what return blood to your heart.

However, because these veins are working against gravity, if the capacity of these veins to pump blood is inhibited in any way, it could cause the circulation of blood to lower.

For example, the valves in your veins could weaken, or the your veins could lose elasticity due to aging and stretch. Hormonal factors can encourage the formation of varicose veins.

Do I Have Varicose Veins?

Besides the appearance of veins, individuals may feel an achy feeling in their legs, or even a burning or cramping feeling.

Many of the physical symptoms of varicose veins closely match those of restless leg syndrome, leading some doctors to believe the conditions are either related or at least often misdiagnosed for one another.

Varicose veins can be treated with many methods at home, including using compression socks, engaging in exercise, making sure to change sitting or standing position regularly, and elevating the legs.

More severe veins can be treated with sclerotherapy, a procedure that causes the harmful veins in question to collapse and for blood to be rerouted through normally functioning blood routes.

As you get older you are at increasing risk for varicose veins. Worried that you might be suffering from varicose veins, or starting to suffer physical symptoms as a result?

It’s important to have a frank talk with your doctor and find out what’s best for you.

If you want to know more, call the Vein Center of Maryland to schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located in Westminster, Eldersburg, Baltimore, Hunt Valley and Bel Air.