What Are Varicose Veins? What Causes Varicose Veins? Symptoms and Treatment

Varicose veins are swollen blood vessels that are visibly prominent just beneath the skin. They occur when the walls of the blood vessels weaken and the heart valves do not function properly, causing blood to begin to pool in the vessels. The accumulated blood in the veins can lead to a blue or purple appearance in the legs, feet, or ankles. The treatment for varicose veins aims to alleviate symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and improve appearance. Treatment methods include exercise, elevating the legs, wearing compression stockings, injection therapy, laser treatment, and surgical intervention.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted blood vessels located just beneath the surface of the skin. They cause visible blue or purple protrusions on the skin's surface. Varicose vein disorder typically occurs in the patients' legs, feet, and ankles. This condition can be painful or itchy for individuals. Although their appearance can be distressing, they are usually not dangerous. However, in some cases, varicose veins can lead to serious complications such as blood clotting.

What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

The most noticeable symptom of varicose veins is the bulging, blue or purple veins seen on the skin's surface. Other symptoms may include:

• Swollen Veins: Swollen veins that appear prominent and rope-like through the skin are among the symptoms. Varicose veins are mostly blue or purple in color and can be distinctly seen just under the skin on the legs, ankles, and feet. They may appear in clusters, with small red or blue lines resembling spider veins visible in nearby areas.
• Heavy and Weighed Down Feeling: Due to varicose veins obstructing blood return, individuals may experience pain and a heavy sensation in their legs. Especially after physical activity, people may feel tired, heavy, or fatigued.
• Itching: Itching or burning sensations may occur in areas where varicose veins are present, due to their proximity to the skin.
• Leg Cramps: Cramps may occur in the leg muscles due to varicose veins, particularly behind the knees.
• Swelling: As varicose veins enlarge, swelling may occur in the legs, often more pronounced at the end of the day. Pulsating sensations may also be felt.
• Skin Color Changes and Venous Ulcers (Wounds): When varicose veins become prominent under the skin, color changes may occur. This usually presents as purplish or dark blue discoloration. In some cases, more pronounced varicose veins can lead to the formation of wounds on the skin.
• Feeling of Fatigue: Due to impaired blood circulation in the legs caused by varicose veins, individuals may experience a constant feeling of fatigue in their legs.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when the walls of the blood vessels weaken. As the pressure of the blood inside the vessels increases, the weakened vessel walls cause the vessels to enlarge. The valves in the veins, which ensure blood flows in one direction, cannot function properly due to the vessel enlargement. Blood starts to pool within the vessel, causing it to swell and twist. The following factors can contribute to the weakening of the vessel walls and valves:

• Genetic History: Individuals with a family history of varicose vein disorders may have a higher risk of developing the condition. Genetic factors can affect the structure of the vessel walls and facilitate the formation of varicose veins.
• Circulatory Problems: Conditions such as prolonged standing, inactivity, or obesity can hinder the return of blood from the legs to the heart, contributing to the formation of varicose veins.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes due to conditions like pregnancy or menopause can affect the elasticity of the vessel walls and impede normal blood flow.
• Aging: As the aging process occurs, vessel walls weaken and lose elasticity. This condition can lay the groundwork for the development of varicose veins.
• Other Factors: Factors such as high blood pressure and excess weight can also increase the risk of varicose veins.

What is Good for Varicose Veins?

Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise under medical supervision, weight management, and healthy eating can be beneficial in treating varicose veins. However, it is important to consult a doctor for a definitive and permanent solution to varicose veins. Some methods that may help alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins include:

Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular exercise can strengthen your leg muscles, improve blood circulation, and alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins. Activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming, done under a doctor's supervision, can be beneficial.
Weight Management: Reducing excess weight under medical supervision can relieve pressure on the veins.
Healthy Eating: A balanced diet can help maintain body weight and reduce the risk of varicose veins. A diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can support blood circulation.
Choosing Appropriate Footwear: High-heeled shoes can contribute to varicose veins. Opting for low-heeled shoes as much as possible encourages more use of the calf muscles, which may be more beneficial for these veins.
Tight Clothing: Tight clothing can increase pressure around the waist, legs, or groin, reducing blood flow.
Elevating the Legs: Individuals with varicose veins may find it helpful to keep their legs elevated above heart level under medical supervision, which can assist blood flow from the legs back to the heart. Elevating the legs while resting or sleeping can reduce swelling and pain in the legs.
Compression Stockings: Varicose stockings or tightly fitting compression stockings can improve blood flow in the legs and reduce symptoms of varicose veins.
Additionally, it is important to frequently change your posture. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods; movement helps blood flow in the veins.

How is Varicose Veins Treated?

Treatment for varicose veins can include personal preventive measures, compression stockings, and surgeries. Procedures for treating affected veins are mostly performed as outpatient treatments. Some of the treatment methods include:

Elevating the Legs: To restore reduced blood flow to the varicose area and reduce pressure levels in the veins, legs can be elevated several times a day to above waist level as advised by a doctor.
Elastic Stockings: Supportive stockings can compress varicose veins and reduce symptoms. The compression can help reduce the strain on the veins, facilitating blood flow.
Injection Therapy: In injection therapy, a solution is injected into the vein. The solution causes the vein walls to stick together, eventually forming scar tissue and disappearing over time.
Laser Therapy: This treatment method is used for the treatment of superficial varicose veins, especially capillaries. The interior surface of the vein is destroyed and closed using specialized laser devices.
Vein Surgery: Surgical removal of varicose veins (phlebectomy) is a rarely used treatment method and is generally preferred when other treatments are ineffective or in serious cases.

How to Prevent Varicose Veins?

An active and healthy lifestyle is essential for preventing varicose veins. Here are some preventive measures that can be taken under medical supervision:

• Avoid standing for long periods.
• Keep the legs elevated above heart level.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Stay active.
• Use compression stockings.
• Wear appropriately fitting clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take for Varicose Veins to Heal?
The healing process can vary from person to person. When therapeutic measures are taken, symptom relief usually begins within a few weeks. Complete healing of the varicose veins or total resolution of symptoms may take several months or longer. Varicose veins that often occur in women during pregnancy typically resolve on their own within two to three weeks after the baby is born. In some individuals, varicose veins may recur after treatment.

Do Varicose Veins Come Back?
Varicose veins can recur. Genetic history, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of recurrence.

Varicose veins are a condition that can develop due to various factors and can cause discomfort in daily life. It is important for patients with varicose vein symptoms to make an appointment at a dermatology clinic to begin treatment.