What are the main causes of Varicose Veins?
The 4 Main Causes of Varicose Veins are
Varicose veins are caused by increased pressure in the veins, weakness in the walls of the veins and faulty valves in the legs. Inside your veins there are tiny valves that make sure blood only flows in one direction, which is back towards the heart. However, if these valves fail it causes the blood to flow backwards, in the wrong direction and the blood starts to accumulate in the veins causing them to swell, enlarge and bulge out of your legs.
This failure of the valves is also referred to as ‘venous insufficiency’. Venous insufficiency can manifest in many ways. At its most mild, it causes spider veins which are by and large cosmetic problems only but can be associated with aching. Slightly larger bluey veins can also result which lie slightly deeper and are called reticular veins. More severe failure causes the common varicose veins.
All these are due to high pressure developing in thin walls of the veins which are designed to withstand low pressures only. Venous insufficiency can be caused by:
- Deep vein obstruction – This is generally caused by DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis) or by tumours which causes compression in the veins themselves.
- Muscle pump failure – This occurs in any condition where the calf muscles are very weak. Lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle is the main cause of this. If this persists it also causes valve failure.
- Valve Failure – This is the most common cause of varicose veins. This can result from inherited valve defects (most common) hormones (for example pregnancy) trauma, previous thrombosis, or weak calf muscles. Once one valve is damaged allowing reflux back through it this causes the vein below to stretch. This causes the next valve down to be pulled apart, leading to a domino type effect with more and more valves failing and eventually a varicose vein becomes prominent.
- Genetic Factors – This can lead to any of the above causes. Did your mother have varicose veins? Generally, all varicose veins have an underlying genetic problem whether it be weak calf muscles, valve defects or a predisposition to Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Using an ultrasound scan to determine the exact location and treatment of where the blood is refluxing or moving in the wrong direction is crucial to the effective management of all venous insufficiency problems including varicose veins, reticular veins, spider veins and ulceration.
When Should I have my Varicose Veins Treated?
The sooner you have treatment the longer you will benefit from the treatment and the easier it will be to obtain a great result.
Most patients find it best to wait until the cooler months to get the treatment as you need to wear compression stockings after the treatment and full results are not seen until 6 weeks. This means it gives you plenty of recovery time before summer.
Does standing up all day cause Varicose Veins?
Although standing for long periods can exacerbate symptoms from varicose veins, it does not cause them. Genetic Factors are the main cause. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to prevent them from forming if you have the genetic predisposition.
How can I ease my symptoms without treatment?
The only proper way to alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins is to get the underlying cause treated usually with Endovenous Ablation or the newer Medical Glue. Without proper treatment unfortunately your symptoms are likely to continue to deteriorate over time.
When you Destroy Varicose Veins does the blood still circulate?
The answer is YES!
It is important to note that there are two types of veins in the legs. The superficial veins (just under the skin) and the deep veins, the latter of which carry the great majority of your blood back to the heart.
Varicose veins only affect the superficial veins, as they rely on their one-way valves for blood to flow in the right direction. After the varicose veins are ablated (destroyed), the blood travels up the deep, healthy veins that are functioning well, helping blood to circulate around the body. Therefore, having an Ultrasound before commencing any treatment is essential. If there is a blockage or problem with the Deep Vein System, we will not be able to remove any of the varicose veins. A comprise in the deep system means the superficial system is carrying blood back to the heart.
Do Varicose Veins only occur in the Legs?
Varicose veins mainly occur in the legs, but not exclusively. Women can get a condition called Pelvic Congestion Syndrome which is aching and pain in the pelvis region and it is often caused by varicose veins on the vulva. Men can also get them in the scrotum. This is called varicocele.
Are Varicose Veins caused by Underlying Health Problems?
Not Usually.
The only situation where you may be concerned that something else going on is if the varicose veins have clotted and you have got a clot or thrombophlebitis, in the superficial veins of the leg. Sometimes it is caused because of varicose veins, but it can be due to underlying health problems like cancer or extremely poor circulation.
