Varicose Veins Causes and Prevention

What is Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are dark blue colored veins, which are little enlarged and twisted. They can be seen above the skin surface. It can be found at the backside of the calves inside the legs or anywhere till ankle through groin. Any veins can become varicose if not treated at the appearance of the first symptom.

The main part, which is affected by varicose veins, is the legs. There are many groups of veins in legs and they are divided into three parts -

1. The deep veins, which are situated deep inside the leg and its main function is to return at least 90% to 95% deoxygenated blood to the heart.
2. The superficial veins or small veins present under the surface of the skin take the blood from the skin and return it to the heart.
3. The perforating veins join the superficial as well as the deep veins simultaneously.

Main Causes of Varicose Veins -

The main function of healthy veins is to carry blood in one direction, whereas in case of varicose veins, they lose its ability to carry and return the blood to the heart. Thus, the blood leaks from the weak valves and veins leading to twisted veins. This situation is known as venous reflux and is termed as the main varicose veins causes . There are other causes, which also lead to varicose veins such as -

Hereditary - It is believed that varicose veins causes are due to heredity wherein it runs in family. It is a defect in the walls of the veins or valves and is regarded as the main cause and 70% cases are believed to be due to heredity.

Sex - Studies have indicated that the possibility of varicose veins is more in women compared to men.

Age - It usually appears between the ages of 30-70 and becomes worse as they age.

Hormones - The main varicose veins causes are the hormonal changes in women during menopause, premenstruation and pregnancy in which the hormones present in women tries to relax the walls of the vein.

Obesity - Increase in the weight puts pressure on the veins as well as the valves of the legs and thus causes varicose veins.

Profession - People, who are in occupation with long hours of standing and sitting such as waitresses, flight attendants, nurses, clerks, teachers etc are at the risk of varicose veins.

Prevention of Varicose Veins -

There is no perfect way to avoid the occurrence of varicose veins, but adopting certain rules can help in delaying the process of varicose veins. Following are some of the rules you can follow -

Weight Watching - Maintaining a balanced weight can avoid excessive pressure on the legs and prevent varicose veins. Also, avoid keeping your legs crossed when in a sitting position. Control the intake of salt as it prevents accidental swelling and retention of water.

Dividing Time - If you are in a profession, which demands long hours of sitting or standing, divide your time as per the work. If you are in a sitting position for a long time, try to shift your weight equally between each side or stretch your body and stand at least after every half an hour.

Clothes - Try to avoid tight fitting clothes at the waitst, legs or groin areas. If you cannot avoid tight fitting clothes, wear them with the support of elastic stockings.