Top Causes of Varicose Veins 2022

What are the top causes of varicose veins? Varicose veins are bulgy and twisted veins that appear on the skin. Any superficial vein can turn into a varicose vein for various reasons. These veins supply blood from the lower limbs to the heart. When you walk or stand upright, it generates pressure in the veins and pushes the blood forward. The valves in the veins prevent blood from moving backward. Damaged veins fail to move the blood in the right direction causing blood pools. This disrupts the blood flow towards the heart.

Top Causes of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins and spider veins are common and mild conditions. Usually, the conditions include cosmetic concerns. However, in severe conditions, people with varicose veins experience pain and discomfort in the legs. This happens when excessive blood blocks the veins.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Common symptoms of varicose veins are:

  • Pain and aching in the legs after standing or sitting for a long time
  • Bulging veins appear on the skin
  • Swelling in the legs
  • Leg cramps, especially at night
  • Skin discoloration around ankles
  • Itchy, flaky, or dry skin
  • Muscle fatigue in the legs

Women experience symptoms of varicose veins during menstruation. People with varicose veins are at the risk of developing:

  • Phlebitis (Inflammation due to vein damage or blood clotting)
  • Deep vein thrombosis (increasing risk of developing blood clots)
  • The skin above veins becomes thin

Major Causes of Varicose Veins

The main cause of developing varicose veins is weak valves or walls in the veins. When the valves fail to close, the blood starts to flow backward. Sometimes, the veins lose their elasticity and become stretched. This results in weak valves and a blood pool. Many people develop varicose veins for no obvious reason. Here are some major causes of varicose veins:

1.     Gender

Varicose veins are more common in women than men. Many studies suggest that the female hormone relaxes the vein’s wall resulting in blood leaking. The human body releases hormones for various chemical activities. The hormone change can cause menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and pregnancy. When women go through hormonal changes, they develop varicose veins.

2.     Genetics

You are at the risk of developing varicose veins if your close family member experiences the condition. This indicates that varicose vein is a genetic disorder. You should visit a doctor to find your risk of developing varicose veins. The doctor will recommend genetic testing to understand your physical and behavioral characteristics.

3.     Age

Age is another factor that increases the risk of varicose veins. With increasing age, your veins lose elasticity. Furthermore, the valves inside the veins become weaker over time. Exercising and a healthy diet can prevent valves from stopping functioning.

4.     Being Overweight

Being overweight can also cause varicose veins. When your body weight increases, it puts pressure on the veins weakening the valves. The valves have to work harder to bring back blood to the heart. Excessive pressure on the valves leads to blood pools and leaking. Varicose veins due to body weight are common in women. You can prevent the varicose vein from developing by maintaining a healthy weight.

5.     Occupation

Jobs that require standing and sitting for a long period increase your risk of developing varicose veins. This happens when your body fails to flow blood from your lower limbs to the heart. So, if you have a job that requires excessive standing or sitting, you should take a walk for a couple of minutes every hour.

6.     Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body requires more blood because of the baby’s development process. This increases blood circulation in the body. As a result, valves have to put more pressure to carry the blood to the heart. Extra strain on the veins results in varicose veins.

Top Causes of Varicose Veins | Vein Center NYC

Furthermore, hormonal levels increase during pregnancy. Because of that, the muscular blood vessel walls relax, increasing the risk of varicose veins. Moreover, expanding the uterus during the baby’s development causes varicose veins. The pressure on the pelvic veins increases with the expanding womb.

After giving birth, the bulging veins naturally improve in many women. But, some women need to visit a vein specialist for proper treatment.

Other Causes for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins develop for many other reasons as well. The condition includes:

  • Abnormal blood vessel
  • History of blood clotting
  • Tumor or swelling in the pelvis

Top Causes of Varicose Veins: Conclusion

The common causes of varicose veins include damaged or weakened veins. As a result, the blood pools in the veins, increasing pressure on the walls. As a result, the vein is visible above the skin. Sitting and standing for an extended period can increase the risks of varicose veins.

If you notice bulging or discolored veins appearing on the skin, you may want to visit a vein specialist. Dr. Luis Navarro is a professional vein specialist and surgeon at The Vein Treatment Center in New York City.

If you want to schedule a free consultation, call us today.

The Vein Treatment Center ©

Dr. Luis Navarro, MD, FACS

327 East 65th Street

New York, NY 10065
212-249-6117

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