Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a common condition amongst women where veins on the legs appear swollen and are a purple-red color. This condition results from when the veins are overfilled with blood, and they become enlarged. The veins become this way because they are not functioning correctly. The one-way valve in all veins that allows blood to flow in the correct direction becomes faulty, blood then collects rather than traveling forward. The veins that are furthest from the heart are most affected, which is why they are usually found on the lower legs. Visually you can see these misshapen varicose veins with the naked eye, but as well as the physical symptoms, they can become sore and achy with an overall feeling of heaviness around the veins.

Often running in families, if the other women in your family have varicose veins, you are likely to have them too. Other potential causes can be obesity, standing for long periods of time, menopause and pregnancy. Lifestyle changes and compression are the beginning of varicose vein treatments, and further treatments need o be discussed with your doctor.