Veins are blood vessels that carry blood from your body’s tissues to your heart. Veins have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing toward your heart. If the valves are weak or damaged, blood can back up and pool in the veins causing the veins to swell leading to varicose veins.
Varicose can appear anywhere, but most often appear on the legs and in the pelvic area. They might appear as clusters of blue or purple veins and are sometimes surrounded by thin red capillaries known as spider veins. They are often painless and do not usually cause health problems. Pregnancy, older age, and obesity can increase your risk of varicose veins and spider veins.
There is no way to completely prevent varicose veins. Improving your circulation and muscle tone may reduce your risk of developing varicose veins or getting additional ones.
Steps to prevent varicose veins:
• Exercising
• Watching your weight
• Eating a high-fiber, low-salt diet
• Avoiding high heels
• Elevating your legs
• Changing your sitting or standing position regularly
Some women do not have any symptoms with varicose veins and spider veins. Some may feel Symptoms may get worse after sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Other symptoms that may be more common with varicose veins include:
• Legs get extremely tired, heavy, or achy
• Throbbing or cramping
• Swelling
• Itching
If they do cause symptoms, or if you want to have them removed, talk to your doctor or our experts about treatment options.
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