All About Varicose Veins

What are
Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins, and are most likely to form in the legs.(Ref 1)

What causes
Varicose Veins?

Veins have one-way valves that help blood flow toward the heart. When these veins are damaged or become weak, they cause the blood to flow backwards and pool in them. This causes veins to swell up and can lead to varicose veins.

Healthy
vein valve

Diseased
vein valve

Signs and symptoms of Varicose Veins (Ref 3)

In severe cases, varicose veins can even lead to prolonged swelling in the legs and eventually result in more serious skin and tissue problems, such as non-healing sores and ulcers.

Complications related
To Varicose Veins

Spider Veins

Visible
Varicose Veins

Cramps and Restlessness

Swelling

Blood Clots

Discoloration
and Ulcer

Who are the people
at risk?

Varicose veins affect BOTH men and women. Following are the risk factors for developing Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI – damage and weakening of veins cause the blood to flow backward and pooling)(Ref 1,2)

PREVIOUS
LEG INJURY

FAMILY
HISTORY

BEING OVERWEIGHT
OR OBESITY

OLD AGE

SMOKING

PREGNANCY

LACK OF MOVEMENT – PROLONGED STANDING OR SITTING POSTURE

How can it be
prevented?

Maintain a healthy body weight(Ref 4)

Exercise regularly(Ref 4)

Avoid prolonged standing or sitting(Ref 4)

Try putting your legs up whenever possible, especially while sitting (Ref 4)

Avoid wearing tight clothing around the waist, legs, or groint(Ref 4)

Avoid wearing high heels as they limit the use of calf muscles(Ref 4)

Resort to a less salty and high-fiber diet(Ref 5)

Click Here to know more about the various treatment options available for Varicose Veins. Consult your doctor to know the most suitable treatment option for you. To locate a vein specialist near you, please visit the Clinic Locator. *Disclaimer: Subject to medical condition of patient

References:
1. Int J Vasc Med. 2014; 2014: 531689.
2. 10.4103/0975-2870.192169
3.https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/varicose-veins 4.https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/varicose-veins
5.https://varicoseveins.org/blog/2015/09/varicose-veins-boost-your-diet-with-fiber/

WHAT ARE
VARICOSE VEINS?

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins, and are most likely to form in the legs.

WHAT CAUSES
VARICOSE VEINS?

Healthy
vein valve

Diseased
vein valve

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
OF VARICOSE VEINS

Enlarged veins just
under the surface of
the skin

Dull, achy, feeling
of heaviness in
the legs

Colour changes in
the skin around
the affected area

Mild swelling
of ankles
and feet

Pain and
soreness of
legs

Cramping or
throbbing in
the legs

Itchy legs,
sometimes at the
ankles and feet

In severe cases, varicose veins can even lead to prolonged swelling in the legs and eventually result in more serious skin and tissue problems, such as non-healing sores and ulcers.

COMPLICATIONS RELATED
TO VARICOSE VEINS

Spider Veins

Visible Varicose Veins

Cramps and Restlessness

Swelling

Blood Clots

Discoloration and Ulcer