Varicose Veins - what are they?
Varicose veins are those in the legs which have become widened and bulging. They are very common and do not cause medical problems in most people. There are two main systems of veins in the legs - the deep veins which carry most of the blood back up the legs to the heart, and the veins nearer the surface of the skin, which can form varicose veins. All these veins contain valves, which should only allow the blood to flow towards the heart. Failure of the valves allows blood to flow backwards down the veins and produce a head of pressure when standing. This excess pressure leads to dilation of the veins and the appearance of varicose veins.
Who gets them?
Varicose veins and spider veins often run in families. Up to 50% of women may be affected. Hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills, and HRT affect the disease. Other predisposing factors include ageing, standing occupations, obesity and leg injury.
Should they be treated?
In a few people the high pressure in the veins causes damage to the skin near the ankle, which can become brown in colour, sometimes with scarred white areas. Eczema can develop. If these skin changes are allowed to progress, or if the skin is injured, an ulcer may result and so the condition may warrant treatment.
Varicose veins can also occasionally produce phlebitis and bleeding. Phlebitis means inflammation of the veins, and is often accompanied by some thrombosis inside the affected veins, which become hard and tender. This can also mean that treatment is required.
Many sufferers decide that, although treatment is not medically required, they would like to have the veins treated for aesthetic reasons.
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