Causes of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that usually appear on the legs. They occur when the valves in the veins do not work properly, causing blood to pool and the veins to become enlarged. While the exact cause of varicose veins is not always clear, there are several factors that can contribute to their development:
- Age: As we age, the valves in our veins can weaken, increasing the risk of varicose veins.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause.
- Family history: If your parents or other close relatives have varicose veins, you may be more likely to develop them as well.
- Being Overweight: Excess weight puts added pressure on the veins, making them more likely to become varicose.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting or standing for long periods of time can impair circulation and increase the risk of varicose veins.
- Increased number of pregnancies
- Premenstrual leg aches or cramps
Expert Treatment in Qatar
Treat your Varicose Veins with Dr. Fadi Hayek in Royal Medical Center - Doha, Qatar
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Burning, muscle cramping & swelling in the lower legs.
- An achy, heavy feeling in the legs
- Itching around one or more of the veins
- Bulging, twisted veins that are visible under the skin
- Discoloration or darkening of the skin.
- Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
Treatment for Varicose Veins
There are several treatment options available for varicose veins, depending on the severity of the condition:
- Lifestyle changes: Making certain lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing, can help improve circulation and reduce symptoms.
- Compression stockings: Wearing compression stockings can help improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms.
- Sclerotherapy: This procedure involves injecting a solution into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and fade over time.
- Endovenous laser treatment: In this procedure, a laser is used to heat and seal the affected veins, causing them to close off and eventually be absorbed by the body.
- Surgical interventions: In severe cases, surgical procedures such as vein stripping or ligation may be necessary to remove or close off the affected veins.
If you are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
