Varicose Veins: What’s this?
Varicose veins are damaged in which the blood circulates poorly. They are bluish, dilated and twisted, and may be more or less prominent.
An estimated 15% to 30% of the population have varicose veins. Women are two to three times more affected than men. In most cases, varicose veins are formed on the legs. They may also appear in the region of the vulva (vulvar varicose veins) or scrotum (varicoceles).
Damage to the veins are permanent. It is possible, however, relieve the symptoms associated therewith and prevent the formation of other veins, and the problems that may arise.
Types of varicose
In 95% cases, varicose veins mainly affect saphenous veins, that is to say, the superficial veins which go back down the leg veins and their tributaries. These varices are the result of a set of risk factors (heredity, overweight, pregnancy, etc).
In a minority of people, varicose veins are caused by inflammation of deep veins (deep phlebitis) which eventually reach the network of superficial veins.
Evolution
People who suffer from varicose veins to chronic venous insufficiency. This means that their venous system has difficulty in securing the return of blood to the heart.
* First signs: pain, tingling and feeling of heaviness in the legs, night cramps, swollen ankles and feet. They may also feel itchy. These symptoms are magnified when prolonged standing or sitting still.
* Appearance of spider veins and varicose veins: spider veins affect very small veins. They are not very prominent and resemble a spider web. They are not usually painful. As for varicose veins, the veins are larger and more dilated. They are often accompanied by symptoms related to early signs of venous insufficiency: tingling, heaviness, swelling, pain, etc.