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VARICOSE VEINS

Causes

Veins are responsible for returning blood to the heart, and they have one-way valves to prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction. Over time, the walls of veins can weaken, causing them to stretch and the valves to malfunction. When blood flows backward in a vein, that vein is described as 'incompetent'.

A number of risk factors have been identified for varicose veins, including:

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Age – you are more likely to develop varicose veins as you get older

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Pregnancy, during or afterwards

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Some leg injuries

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Standing up for long periods

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Low levels of physical activity

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Being overweight

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The word 'varicose' comes from the Latin 'varix' which itself means 'swollen vein'. Some veins are more likely to become dilated and 'varicose' than others – veins in the legs called saphenous veins are particularly affected and especially the 'Great Saphenous Vein' which runs down the inside of the leg.

Varicose veins can occur deep within the body, but they are most noticeable when they affect superficial veins, who are close to the skin's surface and tend to bulge out as they develop. Other vein abnormalities include spider veins-tiny purple or red veins just beneath the skin-and reticular veins, which are bluish veins slightly deeper under the skin. Varicose veins are very common, affecting up to one in three people at some point in their lives.

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Symptoms

The most obvious symptom is the visible protrusion of the veins from the skin, but other symptoms may also be associated with varicose veins, including:

Leg aches

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Burning sensation in the leg

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Pain

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Fatigue

And in severe cases:

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Rash

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Skin discolouration

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Sores

Tests / Diagnosis

The first step is a physical examination, including checking the veins for swelling while you are standing up. The doctor will also ask if you have any of the symptoms listed above. An ultrasound is needed to assess the veins including the direction of blood flow and function of the valves, the extent of varicose veins under the skin and to map the pattern of the veins.

Treatment

There are a range of different treatments for varicose veins at Sydney Vein Specialists.

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