Varicose veins are superficial blood vessels, located just beneath the skin, that become swollen, twisted, and sometimes painful due to blood pooling within them. The risk of developing varicose veins increases with age, with about 20% of adults experiencing this condition.
Typically occurring between ages 30 and 60, varicose veins are more common in women, who are four times as likely to develop them as men. While they most commonly affect the legs and feet, varicose veins can also occur in other areas such as the lower end of the esophagus, stomach lining, colon, rectum, womb, and scrotum.
The underlying cause of varicose veins lies in the veins lacking a pump or muscle tissue to assist in blood circulation back to the heart. Blood is passively carried from various parts of the body to the heart, with the return journey from the feet and legs being particularly challenging due to gravity. Muscular leg contractions and vein valves help propel blood upward, preventing backward flow. However, if these valves malfunction, blood accumulates in the veins, leading to swelling, twisting, and a bluish appearance characteristic of varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins may include leg pain, heaviness, discomfort, swelling of the feet and ankles, burning or throbbing sensations, nighttime muscle cramps, and dry, itchy skin over affected veins.
Treatment options depend on the presence and severity of symptoms. Compression stockings, sclerotherapy, surgery, radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser treatment, and transilluminated powered phlebectomy are among the available treatments. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to complications such as bleeding, open sores, and phlebitis. Self-care measures can help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of varicose veins.