Varicose Veins

Varicose veins may occur in almost any part of the body. They are most often seen in the back of the calf or on the inside of the leg between the groin and the ankle.

Signs & Symptoms

Depression

• Swollen and twisted veins look blue and are close to the surface of the skin.

• Veins bulge and feel heavy.

• The legs and feet can swell.

• The skin can itch.

Causes & Risk Factors

• Obesity.

• Pregnancy.

• Hormonal changes at menopause.

• Activities or hobbies that require standing or lifting heavy objects for long periods of time.

• A family history of varicose veins.

• Often wearing clothing that is tight around the upper thighs.

• Body positions that restrict lower leg blood flow for long periods of time. One example is sitting in an airplane, especially in the economy class section, on a long flight.

• Past vein diseases, such as thrombophlebitis. This is inflammation of a vein before a blood clot forms.

Chest Pain & Heart Disease

Headaches

Osteoporosis

Health Tests &

When to Have Them

SEE ALL ARTICLES ON WOMEN'S HEALTH

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology

866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

www.aad.org

American College of Phlebology

www.phlebology.org

Treatment

Medical treatment is not required for most varicose veins unless problems result. These include a deep vein blood clot or severe bleeding, which can be caused by an injury to the vein. Problems can occur without an injury, as well. An X-ray of the vein (venogram) or a special ultrasound can tell if there are any problems.

Medical Treatment

• Surgery can remove all or part of the vein.

• Sclerotherapy. This uses a chemical injection into the vein, causing it to close up.

• Laser therapy. This causes the vein to fade away.

Questions to Ask

Question 1

Does it look like the varicose vein has broken open and is bleeding a lot under the skin? {Note: Apply direct pressure on the skin area over the varicose vein.}

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 2

Has the varicose vein become swollen, red, very tender or warm to the touch?

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 3

With varicose veins, does a rash or do sores occur on the leg or ankle?

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 4

Do varicose veins cause chronic, achy pain in the legs?

Call your doctor or health care provider and state the problem. He or she can decide what you should do.

Question 5

Do you want to find out about cosmetic treatments for varicose veins?

Call your doctor or health care provider and state the problem. He or she can decide what you should do.

Use Self-Care / Prevention:

You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.

Self-Care / Prevention

• Don’t cross your legs when sitting.

• Exercise regularly. Walking is a good choice. It improves leg strength and vein strength.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Lose weight if you are overweight.

• Don’t stand for long periods of time.

• If your job or hobby requires you to stand, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. Just wiggling your toes can help, too.

• Wear elastic support stockings or support hose, as advised by your doctor.

• Don’t wear clothing or undergarments that are tight or constrict your waist, groin, or legs.

• Eat high-fiber foods, like bran cereals, whole-grain breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables, to promote regularity. Constipation may be a factor in varicose veins.

• Elevate your legs when resting.

• Exercise your legs. From a sitting position, rotate your feet at the ankles, turning them first clockwise, then counterclockwise, using a circular motion. Next, extend your legs forward and point your toes to the ceiling then to the floor. Next, lift your feet off the floor and gently bend your legs back and forth at the knees.

• Get up and move about every 35 to 45 minutes when traveling by air or even when sitting in an all-day conference. Opt for an aisle seat in such situations.

• Stop and take short walks at least every 45 minutes when taking long car rides.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

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