Why Do Varicose Veins Start Appearing?

Varicose veins are very common, and more likely to occur in women. Besides gender, there are a number of possible risk factors that can make varicose vein problems happen. Most often, a combination of causes is at work, causing a person to develop issues requiring varicose vein treatment–and some causes are out of your control. Still, there are certainly steps you can take to help limit the future appearance of diseased veins. Let’s look at the potential causes that may combine to bring on vascular problems in a given patient. Then we’ll discuss solutions for your vein problems.

Why Varicose Veins Show Up

Bulging or discolored leg veins are the result of malfunctioning valves within the veins. Properly functioning valves help route blood back to the heart, but if valves fail or leak, blood pools (typically in the lower leg), and you have a varicose vein. (See our Before & After treatment photos.) Any activity or condition that puts pressure on veins in the legs or pelvis/abdominal area, can lead to varicose veins, as can inherited weakness of vascular walls. Excess pressure or vein weakness may come from: 

• Heredity: If varicose veins, phlebitis, or other types of vein disease run in your family, you’re more likely to develop vascular problems.  
• Aging: Valves and vein walls may weaken or stiffen with age.
• Obesity: Extra weight exerts pressure on veins, making them work harder to circulate blood back to the heart.
• Hormonal changes, including hormonal medications, like oral contraceptives: Women have more hormonal fluctuations than men during their lives, so are more likely to have varicose veins.
• Long periods of uninterrupted standing or sitting: This places pressure on the lower body and veins in the legs.
• Chronically tight clothing, especially around the waist, hips, knees and/or feet: This also creates pressure that interferes with blood flowing back up from the legs.
• Lack of exercise: Strong muscles help maintain proper circulation, and leg muscles, in particular, help veins send blood back upward to the heart.

How to Prevent Vein Disease Progression

Control what you can control, to avoid varicose vein development. Make the following changes that apply to your specific situation:

• Lose weight, if needed, and maintain a healthy weight.
• Get regular exercise.
• Alternate periods of sitting, with standing and walking.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing, that may cut off circulation, for instance: a tight belt, socks with a tight band below the knee, tight or high-heeled shoes.
• Wear compression socks or stockings to provide support, helping to prevent blood pooling in leg veins.
• See your vein doctor to evaluate your vein health and recommend/perform any needed Cincinnati vein treatment.

Where to Get Personalized Vein Care in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati

Vein treatments, including varicose vein surgery if needed, are typically minimally invasive, with little downtime involved. Therefore, there’s no reason to postpone getting proper vein care. At VIA Vein Center, we offer customized treatment to banish varicose veins and help you prevent future vascular problems. Contact Vascular & Interventional Associates Vein Center online today, or call 859-286-7333 for an appointment.