Varicose Veins: Symptoms & Causes

Varicose veins are often called spider veins because they appear in twisted, wavy, curly, purple and blue-coloured lines on the skin of the legs. Several, factors are responsible for this including genetics, unhealthy lifestyle, weight issues, etc. Detecting signs like blue-coloured veins, mild skin changes, leg pain, and swelling is crucial. Here, we will discuss varicose vein symptoms and causes, which can give you a clear insight into diagnosing this health condition.

Symptoms

Varicose veins are mostly not painful, but sometimes they do hurt if the condition worsens. In severe cases, it causes pain, swelling, itchiness or discomfort. Let's decode in detail the varicose veins symptoms and causes. You can notice the following signs regularly on your legs.

Common Notable Signs On Legs

• Dark purple or blue veins

• Twisted, bulging veins resembling cords on the legs

• Spider veins, often red or blue, are closer to the skin’s surface

• Varicose veins may sometimes appear on the face, varying in size and resembling a spider's web

Painful symptoms

• Aching, pain

• A feeling of heaviness in the legs

• Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping

• Swelling in the lower legs

• Increased pain after prolonged sitting or standing

• Itching around affected veins

• Changes in skin colour around varicose veins

Causes

Weak or damaged valves can lead to varicose veins. As blood pressure in your vein increases, the weakened walls allow your vein to get bigger. Veins have one-way valves inside them that open and close to keep blood flowing toward the heart. Weak or damaged valves or walls in the veins can cause blood to pool and even flow backward. This is called reflux. The veins may grow larger and become distorted, resulting in varicose veins. Vein walls and valves can become weak for several reasons, including:

• Hormones.

• The aging process.

• Excess weight.

• Restrictive clothing.

• Pressure inside the vein from standing for long periods.

Risk factors

1. Age

• Ageing makes vein valves wear and tear, allowing blood to flow back and collect in the veins.

2. Sex

• Women, especially due to hormonal changes, are more prone to varicose veins.

• Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause may relax vein walls.

• Hormone treatments, like birth control pills, may increase the risk.

3. Pregnancy

• Increased blood volume during pregnancy can enlarge leg veins.

4. Family History

• If family members have varicose veins, the risk is higher.

5. Obesity

• Being overweight increases pressure on veins.

6. Prolonged Standing or Sitting

• Extended periods of standing or sitting hinder blood flow, contributing to the risk of varicose veins.