What causes varicose and spider veins?
• Heredity is the number one factor. They usually run in the family (“like mother, like daughter”). • Hormones are also a factor: puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the birth control pill • Obesity • Aging • Prolonged periods of standing (common to nurses, pharmacists, teachers, waitresses) What are the different types of veins? Superficial veins of the lower limbs Large, varicose veins Bulging varicose veins are mainly found along the long and short saphenous veins, or their tributaries, as well as on the perforating veins. Symptoms • General fatigue and tiredness • Heaviness in the legs and thighs • Swelling of the ankles and night cramps in the lower limbs If left untreated, these can lead to complications such as leg ulcers, phlebitis (blood clots) or hemorrhaging (bleeding). Medium-size, reticular veins These appear as blue veins just under the skin. They do not usually bulge out. They may cause aching and heaviness in the legs. Spider veins (telangiectasia) Spider veins can occur any
Although genetics, childbirth, and female gender are the most important predisposing factors, the actual cause is related to incompetent valves in the larger veins, which lead to reflux of blood in the wrong direction back toward the foot. Normally, venous blood should flow up the leg toward the heart. When blood is forced by gravity in the wrong direction, (toward the foot) the abnormal varicose and spider veins can bulge and become distended. It is this distension that often causes the symptoms of aching, swelling, tiredness, heaviness, cramping, burning, and itching. Unlike the arteries where blood is moved by the pumping action of the heart, the veins utilize the muscles in your legs to return the blood back to the heart. When the valves do not work properly, the blood has difficulty moving against gravity up toward the heart. As a result, blood backs up in the veins causing them to become swollen, bulging, and tortuous. These large veins are called varicose veins. Spider veins res
Lack of circulation contributes to the formation of varicose veins, and so they are more common in people who sit or stand in one position for prolonged periods of time, people who habitually sit with their legs crossed, and those who lack proper regular exercise. Excess weight, heavy lifting, and pregnancy put increased pressure on the legs, increasing the likelihood of developing varicose veins. Constipation, phlebitis, heart failure, and liver malfunction can also play a role in the formation of varicose veins. What are the Common Medical Treatments for Varicose Veins? In the past, leg wraps and surgery were the only medical treatments for varicose veins. A graduated pressure stocking can improve the circulation to minimize varicose veins as long as the stocking is worn. A graduated pressure stocking is one which puts a lot of pressure on the skin at the level of the ankle and less and less pressure higher up the stocking. Traditional varicose vein–stripping is done in the operating
No one knows the exact cause of spider and varicose veins, but there are several factors that cause a person to be more likely to develop them. Heredity, or being born with weak vein valves, is the greatest factor. Hormones also play a role. The hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as taking estrogen, progesterone, and birth control pills can cause a woman to develop varicose veins or spider veins. During pregnancy, besides the increases in hormone levels, there also is a great increase in the volume of blood in the body that can cause veins to enlarge. The enlarged uterus also puts more pressure on the veins. (Within 3 months after delivery, varicose veins usually improve. However, more abnormal veins are likely to develop and remain after additional pregnancies.) Other factors that weaken vein valves and that may cause varicose or spider veins include aging, obesity, leg injury, and prolonged standing, such as for long hours on the job. Spider
Although the precise cause of spider and varicose veins is unknown, there are several factors that contribute to their development. Heredity, or being born with weak vein valves, is the most common factor. Hormones also play a role. The hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as taking estrogen, progesterone, and birth control pills can cause a woman to develop varicose veins or spider veins. During pregnancy, besides the increases in hormone levels, there also is a great increase in the volume of blood in the body that can cause veins to enlarge. The enlarged uterus puts more pressure on the veins. 3 months after delivery varicose veins usually improve. After additional pregnancies more abnormal veins are likely to remain. Other factors that may cause varicose or spider veins include aging, obesity, leg injury, and prolonged standing, such as for long hours on the job. Spider veins on the face of a fair-skinned person may occur from sun exposure.
