What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are blood vessels just beneath the skin that have widened and twisted due to a defect in the valves within the veins themselves. Blood pools in sections of the vein, causing the vein to bulge and swell.
Although varicose veins usually occur in the legs and feet, they can occur on any part of the body. These include veins in the lower end of the esophagus, the lining of the stomach, the colon, the rectum, and the scrotum.
Varicose veins may result in some discomfort. Usually they cause no symptoms, but in some cases they result in serious medical problems. For many people, varicose veins only cause a problem in terms of appearance-the veins can look ropy and twisted, and may bulge out beneath the skin.
|
Nice To Know:
Q. Does walking make varicose veins worse?
A. No. Indeed, walking is beneficial. When you walk, the muscles in your legs contract, squeezing the veins, thus helping to force the blood to move forward on its way back to the heart. If walking causes discomfort, you should see your physician to determine why (for example, to exclude any other causes besides varicose veins). Walking is also an excellent form of exercise to help promote good cardiovascular health.
|
|
Facts About Varicose Veins
- About 20 percent of all adults develop varicose veins.
- Most people develop varicose veins
 between the ages of 30 and 60.
- Women are four times more likely to develop varicose veins than men.
- There is a family history of varicose veins in at least 15 percent of all cases.
- Varicose veins most often occur in the lower legs.
|
|
Varicose Veins
