Varicose veins develop in the legs when there is too much pressure on healthy veins and it becomes difficult for the heart and vein to push the blood against gravity back to the heart. The vein wall becomes weak and the tiny valves inside the vein that close so the blood does not flow backward fail to function properly. This allows the blood to pool in the vein and makes it bulge, twist and stretch out of shape.
Causes of Varicose Veins
Heredity is the main cause of enlarged veins. This means that if one of your parents or grandparents developed vein problems, there is a good chance you will too. Other causes include:
- Obesity – excess weight is not healthy for any bodily system, but it puts a lot of pressure on the heart and circulatory system. When the heart and veins need to overwork, they may wear out faster. The veins become tired, the valves fail to function and enlarged veins develop.
- Pregnancy – just like obesity, pregnancy may cause the heart and veins to overwork. The good news is that the problem veins may recede about three months after delivery. However, after multiple pregnancies, the veins may not recede.
- Lifestyle – people who stand or sit for hours may be at higher risk of developing varicose veins. This is because sitting blocks the flow of blood and standing makes it more difficult for the veins to push the blood up the legs. Lack of exercise may also contribute to the development of varicose veins because exercise makes the leg muscles help the veins push the blood up the legs. If you sit for hours, try to walk around a few minutes every hour and if you stand for hours, try to sit with your feet raised above your heart several times a day.
- Hormonal changes – puberty, menopause and birth control pills all cause fluctuations of hormones. These may contribute to the development of varicose veins. This is one reason women are more prone to enlarged veins than men.
Symptoms
In some cases, the veins may begin to bulge, but they don’t show on the surface of the skin. Whether the veins show or not, there are some common symptoms that indicate you have varicose veins. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Heaviness and aching in the legs
- Discoloration of the skin around the ankles
- Sores or ulcers on the skin that do not heal quickly
- Uncontrollable itching for no apparent reason
- Restless legs especially at night
- Swelling
When you visit our vein specialist at Pacific Vein Care, your varicose veins will be examined and the best course of treatment will be recommended. At our office in McHenry, IL, we strive to give our patients the best and most thorough care possible. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
Thought about you in Hawaii
by Alice, patient
Category: reviews“Thought about you in Hawaii. I couldn’t have enjoyed and walked on the beaches if I hadn’t had your skills on my veins. Thanks.”
I can walk to my mail box again
by John Neumann, patient
Category: reviews“I had problems walking to my mail box when I went to Pacific Vein Care. Dr. Conti found I had vein reflux and artery problems in both of my legs. He did his normal vein procedure on one leg and a special procedure at the hospital on the other leg and corrected the artery problems at the same time. I am very happy with the results from the procedures done at Pacific Vein Care to correct both my veins and artery problems. I can walk to my mail box again and not have to stop and rest part way there.”
I am pleased to say my quality of life is back
by Barbara Hoffman, patient
Category: reviews“For thirty Years I have put up with leg pain, throbbing and swelling due to varicose veins. At 63 years old, I made a choice to have Radiofrequency Ablation therapy and I am pleased to say my quality of life is back. I can now take long walks, exercise and stand for long period of time without discomfort. I recently purchased a pair of tall stylish boots and I can actually zip them up because I no longer suffer from edema.”
The procedures were not hard to go through and the result was a tremendous relief.
by Wayne, patient
Category: reviews“I recently – April/May of 2012 – had VNUS procedures done on my right and left legs. Dr. Conti and his staff were superb in the diagnosis and treatment of my condition. The process was fully explained to me and were virtually pain free. There was some discomfort in the week or two after the procedures which were easily handled by over the counter pain medications. I was impressed with Dr. Conti’s knowledge and professionalism and would recommend anyone waiting to treat their varicose veins NOT to wait. The procedures were not hard to go through and the result was a tremendous relief.”
Staff was welcoming
by Irene, patient
Category: reviews“In my experience… -Staff was welcoming, patient, accommodating, informative and fun to talk with. -Dr. Conti was knowledgeable, patient, informative, precise and also fun to talk with. Thank you for good memories. I am grateful for healing hands and hearts.”
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