What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins that
are visible just under the surface of the skin. They appear most commonly in
the legs, but also can develop in other parts of the body.
Veins are blood vessels that carry blood from the
tissues of the body to the heart. In the heart, blood is pumped to the lungs to
pick up oxygen. The oxygen-rich blood is then pumped out to the body through
the arteries. From the arteries, blood flows through tiny blood vessels called
capillaries, where it gives up its oxygen to the bodys tissues. The blood
then returns back to the heart through the veins to pick up more oxygen.
Veins have one-way valves that help to keep the
blood flowing toward the heart. When the valves dont work well, blood
backs up and pools in the veins. This causes them to swell and become varicose
veins.
Varicose veins usually dont cause medical
problems. On occasion, they require treatment for pain, skin problems, blood
clots, or other complications. People may choose to have cosmetic treatment to
improve the appearance of varicose veins.
Related Vein Problems
A number of other types of vein problems are related
to varicose veins.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are a smaller version of varicose
veins. They occur in the capillaries, which are the smallest blood vessels in
the body. Spider veins are commonly found on the legs and face, and they
usually resemble a spider web or tree branch in shape. They can be red or blue.
Spider veins are usually not a medical concern.
Telangiectasias
Telangiectasias (tel-AN-juh-ek-TA-ze-uhs) are small
clusters of blood vessels that look similar to spider veins. They are red in
color and are commonly found on the upper body, including the face. They can
develop during pregnancy and in people who have certain genetic disorders,
viral infections, and other medical conditions (such as liver disease). Newly
developed telangiectasias are often a reason to see a doctor.
Venous Lakes
Venous lakes are another type of varicose veins in
which blood collects in the veins of the face and neck.
Reticular Veins
Reticular veins are flat blue veins commonly seen
behind the knees.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are varicose veins in blood vessels in
and around the anus.
Varicoceles
Varicoceles (VAR-i-ko-seals) are varicose veins in
the scrotum (the skin over the testicles). Varicoceles may be linked to male
infertility and should be checked by a doctor.
Outlook
People with varicose veins often require only simple
self-care measures, such as performing certain leg exercises, wearing
compression stockings, and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing. For
those who are concerned about the appearance of varicose veins, several
cosmetic treatments are available. Although uncommon, in some cases,
complications such as pain, skin ulcers, and blood clots can develop. A variety
of medical and surgical procedures are used to treat varicose veins in these
more complicated cases.
September 2006 |