Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged blue, red, or purple veins that are raised above the surface of the skin, often on the thighs, backs of the calves, or the inside of the leg. They may ache, throb, or feel itchy. During pregnancy, varicose veins can form around the vagina and buttocks.

Many factors increase a person's chances of developing varicose veins. These include increasing age, weak vein valves, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, sitting or standing for extended periods of time, and prolonged sun exposure.

Varicose veins are treated with lifestyle changes and medical treatments.

Many factors increase a person's chances of developing varicose or spider veins. These include:

• Increasing age. As you get older, the valves in your veins may weaken and not work as well.
• Medical history. Being born with weak vein valves increases your risk. Having family members with vein problems also increases your risk. About half of all people who have varicose veins have a family member who has them too.
• Hormonal changes. These occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medicines containing estrogen and progesterone also may contribute to the forming of varicose or spider veins.
• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The growing uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. More varicose veins and spider veins usually appear with each additional pregnancy.
• Obesity. Being overweight or obese can put extra pressure on your veins. This can lead to varicose veins.
• Lack of movement. Sitting or standing for a long time may force your veins to work harder to pump blood to your heart. This may be a bigger problem if you sit with your legs bent or crossed.
• Sun exposure. This can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose of a fair-skinned person.

Most varicose veins appear in the legs due to the pressure of body weight, force of gravity, and task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart.

Compared with other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure. This pressure can be stronger than the one-way valves in the veins.

See your doctor if leg veins are painful, swollen, or affecting your daily life, or if the skin around them changes or breaks down. Seek prompt care for sudden swelling, warmth, or a tender, hard vein, which can signal a blood clot.