Generally, varicose veins cause an unsightly discoloration visible just under the surface of the skin, but no real health concerns. The common condition affects one in four adults in the United States, but the sufferer feels no pain in the majority of cases. The bulging veins usually occur in the legs, but may also form in other parts of the body. In some instances, varicose veins may cause complications, such as mild to moderate pain, swelling, blood clots or skin ulcers if left untreated.

Veins are blood vessels that relay blood from the tissues throughout the body to the heart. The heart pumps blood to the lungs where it is oxygenated and pumped through arteries back to the body. Veins contain one-way valves that open and close to assure the blood flows toward the heart. An increase in blood pressure inside a vein may cause damage to the valves. When the valves weaken from the damage, reflux may occur as the blood begins to flow backwards or pool and then cause swelling. The veins may grow larger and become distorted, resulting in varicose veins.

Weak valves may also occur due to weak vein walls, which cause the vein to lose normal elasticity resulting in overstretching that causes the flaps of the valves to separate. Blood then can flow backward through the valves filling the veins and stretching the walls even more. As a result, the vein often twists as it enlarges to occupy the small space under the surface of the skin.

A number of factors may increase the risk for varicose veins, including family history, age, gender, pregnancy, obesity and lack of movement. The condition is common among men and women; however, many believe women tend to suffer from varicose veins more often than men due to hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, menopause or the use of birth control. People who work sedentary jobs, sitting still or standing in the same place for long periods of time, are more susceptible to developing the condition. Interior pressure increases as veins in the legs work against gravity to circulate blood back to the heart. Being overweight also adds extra pressure to veins. Common symptoms associated with varicose veins include mild swelling of the feet and ankles, painful or aching legs, cramping and dry, itchy skin.

Treating the condition typically involves lifestyle changes and medical procedures that relieve symptoms, prevent complications and improve appearance. Maintaining a healthy weight improves blood flow and eases pressure in the veins. Physical activity to improve muscle tone also assists with proper circulation. Raising the legs while resting and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting will alleviate pressure as well. Compression stockings also may be used to improve circulation. The stockings gently compress the ankles and lower parts of the leg to encourage proper blood flow upward toward the heart and decrease swelling in the legs.

A number of medical procedures are available to either remove or close the damaged veins. A primary care physician or vascular surgeon may suggest sclerotherapy, an injection of a liquid chemical that causes irritation and scarring inside the vein closing it to blood flow. Once closed, the vein eventually fades away and the blood starts moving through other veins. The procedure is generally used to treat smaller varicose veins and can be performed as an outpatient procedure in the physician’s office or an operating room. Several treatments may be required.

Several surgical procedures are typically used to heat or close the veins and can be used in all stages of the disease. Laser surgery uses light energy to close the veins. In endovenous ablation therapy, a physician or vascular surgeon creates a small incision near the vein, then heat energy is used to close the vein. In an ambulatory phlebectomy, small incisions are created to remove the veins completely. The procedure is best suited for veins that are closest to the surface. Vein stripping and ligation are techniques that involve tying the vein shut and then removing veins through small incisions. Recovery from the surgical procedures may require a few weeks. Many procedures utilize ultrasound imaging on the surface to assist with vein care.

Early treatment of varicose veins cause few health concerns; however, left untreated, any condition in which proper blood flow is affected contains a risk of complications. A vascular surgeon who specializes in vein treatment can assist in determining the severity of the condition and which treatments would be most beneficial. Licking Memorial Vascular Surgery treats patients with conditions that affect the circulatory system, primarily diseases of the arteries and veins. Office services are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 1371 West Main Street in Newark, and Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. to Noon, at One Healthy Place, Suite 202, in Pataskala.