Most frequent causes
There is no single factor that causes varicose veins; there are usually several factors that may accelerate, if not cause, the development of varicose veins. Although, genetics plays an important role, there are a number of risk factors related to lifestyle and habits.
+ The most common risk factors include the following:
∎ Heredity. People with a family history of varicose veins are at greater risk of developing the condition. Studies show that between 65 to 70 percent of children with parents (either on the maternal or paternal side) who suffer from varicose veins develop the same problem.
∎ Hormones. Varicose veins are six times more common in women than in men. Studies have shown that women are more susceptible to varicose veins during hormonal changes. The circulatory changes occuring during pregnancy also increase risk. Varicose veins may surface for the first time or may worsen during late pregnancy, when the uterus exerts greater pressure on the veins in the legs.
∎ Overweight. Excess weight puts pressure on surface veins, causing them to weaken. If you are carrying 20 percent excess weight or more you are at risk.
∎ Standing and sitting. People who have jobs that require them to stand or sit for long periods also are at increased risk. Prolonged standing can weaken the walls of veins, and sitting can aggravate inflamed veins.
∎ Physical problems. Varicose veins can appear as a result of a defect in the feet (flat foot) or spinal problems.
TYPES OF VARICOSE VEINS
The types vary according to the degree of the problem.
Spider veins or venectasia
These are thin, venous ramifications, either violet or red, and whose importance is basically aesthetic. They are isolated and appear on the legs flat and fine. Over time they tend to spread, increasing in numbers and forming small fan-like or circular branches. They can appear on any part of the leg. Once grouped, they make it more difficult for the blood to circulate, weakening the skin's elasticity and tissue. V veins are related to hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy and menopause).
Troncular veins
These affect any of the main leg veins (surface veins). These are the most important types of varicose veins from a medical point of view. They are knots or thick superficial veins that run along the entire leg. If left untreated, they can affect other veins and tissue, due to a lack of normal oxygen flow. In addition to being an aesthetic problem, they can develop blood clots or blocked veins.
Reticular veins
These are small, thin varicose veins which can be found anywhere on the lower extremities. They tend to show up behind the knees or sides of the legs. They form small cords and cause feelings of heaviness, tiredness, and aching.
COMPLICATIONS
Dermatitis, phlebitis and bleeding are some of the possible complications if varicose are left untreated. Dermatitis produces a red skin eruption, with scaling or itchiness skin. It can also cause an area of brown discoloration on the inner part of the leg or above the ankle. A scratch or graze can cause an open wound or ulcer that does not heal. Phlebitis tends to form spontaneously or from a wound. Although this complication is painful, it rarely develops serious problems. The thin-walled varicose vein protrudes just under the skin. Bumping or scratching a large varicose vein may cause severe bleeding. Varicose veins bleed more than healthy ones because of the abnormally high pressure within the damaged vein.
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