What Causes Varicose Veins?

‍Varicose veins are a common vascular condition, characterised by enlarged, twisted veins that appear purple or blue in colour, that have bulged and become visible. Any vein that is close to the skin's surface (superficial) can become varicose, however varicose veins most commonly affect the veins in the legs.

How do varicose veins form?

Varicose veins can develop when the valves in veins weaken or get damaged. Unlike arteries, which carry blood from the heart to various parts of the body, veins have the critical task of returning blood from the body back to the heart. This journey is a bit challenging for veins, as they must work against gravity.

To return blood to the heart, the veins in the legs rely on muscle contractions in the lower legs to effectively act as pumps, while the elastic walls of the veins help the upward movement of blood. Small valves within the veins play a crucial role in this process, they open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and then close to prevent backward flow. However, when these valves become weakened or damaged, blood can reverse its course, leading to the accumulation of blood in the veins and, consequently, the stretching or twisting of these veins. This condition is commonly referred to as varicose veins.

What causes varicose veins in legs?

Varicose veins can occur in various parts of the body, and any vein in the body can become varicose, but they most commonly develop in the lower parts of the body, particularly the legs, calves and feet. This is primarily due to the increased pressure on the veins in the lower half of the body when standing or walking.

In the same way any varicose vein is formed, varicose veins in the legs develop when the valves within the veins in legs weaken or sustain damage. Damage to the valves contributes to causing the blood to flow backward and pool in the veins, causing them to stretch, twist, and become varicose.

Varicose veins are more common in the legs because the veins in the lower parts of the body have to work against gravity and pressure to return blood to the heart. This increased gravitational pressure, combined with weakened vein walls, genetic factors, hormonal changes, and prolonged periods of standing or sitting, makes the veins in the legs more susceptible to dilation and the development of varicose veins. The distance from the heart to the legs also contributes, as blood must travel a further, increasing the risk of circulation issues in the lower limbs.

What causes varicose veins? The risk factors

Varicose veins can affect anyone, but some factors increase the risk of developing this condition. 

Age

The risk of varicose veins tends to increase with age, as vein walls and valves naturally lose elasticity over time. As people get older, the wear and tear on vein walls and valves increase, making them more susceptible to damage and the development of varicose veins.

Gender

Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins, partly due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause. Research suggests this may be because female hormones tend to relax the walls of veins, making the valves more prone to leaking.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the growing uterus can put additional pressure on the veins in the pelvic area, which can lead to the development of varicose veins. These veins often improve after the baby is born, but may not disappear entirely.

Family History

Genetics can play a significant role in the development of varicose veins, if you have a family history of varicose veins, you are at a higher risk.

Obesity

Excess body weight places added pressure on the veins, meaning they have to work harder to send the blood in the correct direction back to the heart, making them more prone to damage and varicose vein development. Research suggests that the impact of body weight on the development of varicose veins appears to be more significant in women.

Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Jobs or activities that involve long periods of standing or sitting can affect proper blood circulation, contributing to the development of varicose veins.

Incompetent vein valves

Veins contain one-way valves that allow blood to flow towards the heart and prevent it from flowing backwards. When these valves become weakened or damaged, blood can pool in the veins, leading to the formation of varicose veins. Those with naturally weaker veins are more likely to suffer with varicose veins

Are varicose veins hereditary? 

Varicose veins can be hereditary; if your parents or grandparents have had varicose veins, you are more likely to develop them as well. Genetic factors can influence the makeup of your vein walls and valves, making you more susceptible to developing varicose veins. 

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Varicose veins can present a range of symptoms and is a sign of vein disease that should not be ignored.

The most common symptom is the visibility of varicose veins; they are enlarged, twisted veins that are often visible through the skin, typically purple or blue in colour. Some people experience aching, throbbing, or a sense of heaviness in the affected area, especially after prolonged standing or sitting or general discomfort or a feeling of fullness.

Varicose veins are known to cause swelling in the lower legs or ankles, particularly at the end of the day and they also may become itchy for some people. Over time, skin changes may develop, such as darkening (hyperpigmentation) or the formation of open sores (venous ulcers) in severe cases, although this is rare.

It's important to note that not everyone with varicose veins experiences symptoms. For some individuals, varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic concern, while others may find them painful and uncomfortable. If you have concerns about your varicose veins or experience any of these symptoms, it's advisable to speak to a vascular specialist. You can book an initial consultation to speak with one of our specialists for a diagnosis and more information by clicking the link below:

Book your initial consultation

Where to get varicose veins treated

If you're dealing with varicose veins, there are various non-surgical options available to treat the condition, improve your quality of life, and enhance the appearance of your legs. Where to get varicose veins treated depends on the severity of your condition and your personal preferences, but we always recommend getting in touch with UK Vein Clinic, so our team of specialists can focus exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of your  varicose veins.

Treatment options for varicose veins

Here at UK Vein Clinic, we offer a range of minimally-invasive treatments such as sclerotherapy and Radiofrequency Ablation which are both effective, reliable ways to treat varicose veins.

How treatment for varicose veins works:

Step 1)

Vein disease is a progressively developing condition, and our team of ultrasound scanning experts, led by award-winning Fabrizio D’Abate, will assist you in evaluating if undergoing varicose vein treatment is the appropriate initial step for you at this point.

During this stage, we will analyse the root causes of your varicose veins using Duplex ultrasound, which will create a comprehensive and precise map of them, identify any coagulation issues or other irregularities in your deep veins and determine the most suitable course of action.

Following your initial appointment, you will gain a more thorough understanding of your condition, the available treatment choices, and the outcomes of any vein treatment we recommend.

Step 2)

Next, we will go ahead with your minimally-invasive procedure to treat your varicose veins. This treatment is one of two options:

Radiofrequency ablation - Performed under local anaesthetic, this thermal treatment uses radio energy to generate and direct a precise source of heat to the affected varicose vein, which ultimately causes it to collapse and be reabsorbed into the body.

Find out more about radiofrequency ablation

Foam sclerotherapy - This ultrasound-guided treatment consists of a special foam being injected directly into the damaged vein to close it. Sclerotherapy is an older form of surgery, but it is the use of advanced duplex ultrasound scanning that makes it as modern and reliable as other, newer treatment options.

Find out more about foam sclerotherapy

Step 3) Once you have had your varicose vein treatment, you will be looked after by our highly experienced aftercare team who are always available to answer any questions you may have and provide crucial guidance if any issues emerge.

When considering whether to get your varicose veins treated, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment options. Depending on the severity of your varicose veins and your individual needs, we can help you determine the most appropriate treatment setting and approach.

If you're concerned about varicose veins, get in touch with us to take the first step towards effective management and relief.

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