Varicose Vein Treatments - Varicose Veins

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Varicose Veins

What causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins typically start to develop in the second and third decade of life, and women are affected more frequently and earlier than men. This has been linked to female hormones that are thought to decrease vein wall elasticity. Varicose, reticular, and spider veins occur due to a disease called "venous reflux". Healthy veins have tiny leaflets inside of them called valves. Valves allow blood to flow in one direction from the ankles towards the heart. When valves do now work properly, blood backs up in the legs and causes increased pressure and congestion. This causes the veins to enlarge and causes symptoms such as pain, heaviness, cramping, itching, and burning of the skin. In advanced cases, this can lead to skin pigmentation, ulceration and bleeding. Varicosities are related to a family history of varicose veins in at least a third of all patients. Some of the known risk factors for the development of varicose veins include: pregnancy, obesity, lifestyle related to prolonged standing and a history of blood clots leading to chronic vein injury. Patients who are older tend to have more severe varicose vein changes, but not infrequently, young patients also encounter advanced varicose vein symptoms.

What's the difference between Varicose, Reticular and Spider Veins?

Spider Veins

Spider veins are also known as telangiectasia and occur at the earliest stages of venous insufficiency. They are formed by small skin veins that become dilated and are visible though the skin's surface. They can be blue, purple or red and are frequently extensive, forming various patterns of linear, starburst, or tree-like distribution. In the legs, they may be associated with varicose veins and venous insufficiency. They can be present in all areas of the body, including the face and back.

Reticular Veins

Reticular veins are considered a more advanced stage of venous disorder. They are formed by larger veins that are located deeper in the skin's surface with venous reflux. They are usually blue and purple in color, tortuous, and frequently feed the areas of spider veins. In contrast to varicose veins, both spider and reticular veins do not protrude on the skin surface. Reticular veins may form areas of unattractive clusters of veins predominantly located in the inner part of the thighs, backs of legs and ankles. They can also be associated with symptoms of pain and discomfort of the legs.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are superficial veins that have dilated in response to increased pressure caused by incompetent or absent valves. Progressive vein dilation eventually prevents the valve cusps from closing properly resulting in a backflow of blood known as reflux. Alternatively, a lack of competent valves can also cause a dilation of the vein. As one valve fails, increasing pressure is exerted on each more distal valve until it, too, becomes incompetent. Diameters of varicose veins can range from 3mm to >8mm. Varicose veins bulge out and can be seen through the skin. They appear as rope-like structures protruding out from the skin and can occur thought the legs and ankle.

Symptoms Associated With Venous Insufficiency/Reflux

• Leg Pain
• Swelling of the ankles
• Sensation of achy and heavy legs especially when present at the end of the day
• Calf muscle cramping
• Pressure, aching, pain and itching around enlarged veins
• Darkening of the skin around the ankles and lower shin
• Restless legs

*Symptoms usually become worse after sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time, or towards the end of the day.