When the veins become twisted and enlarged near the surface of the skin, it is called varicose veins. They occur mostly in ankles and legs though any vein can convert into varicose. It is because we always put great pressure on the lower parts of the body while standing or walking. Hence the veins in the legs largely get affected forming varicose veins.
It does not cause any problem except giving discomfort and pain occasionally. In rare cases, varicose veins can cause serious problems in circulatory system. It is enough if you follow the instructions of your doctor for getting it treated.
Causes :
When the veins in your legs become weak it can develop varicose veins. For any reason the normal blood flow is disrupted in the legs, excess of blood gets accumulated in the valves and slowly pressure builds up. In the result, the veins become weak and get twisted.
The valves present in the vein allow blood to flow from the legs to the heart and not on reverse. Since it gets weakened it builds up excess of blood in it leading to varicose veins. Varicose veins can be hereditary. It can also develop due to old-age since the veins may lose elasticity and it can become weak. This will result in pushing the blood to the legs instead of your heart. Blood accumulates in the veins thus making the veins larger in size.
If you observe the varicose veins closely they will be blue in color indicating the presence of deoxygenated blood. Veins are blood vessels that transport impure blood from many parts of the body to the heart for purification. There are small valves in the veins which would open when the muscle contracts pumping blood into the heart against the gravity. Pregnant women can develop varicose veins because during this stage the volume of blood to your pelvic portion and legs decreases. This leads to enlargement of veins forming varicose veins. However this stage will improve automatically after deliver without requiring any treatment. Obese people can develop varicose veins.
Symptoms :
Varicose veins are twisted and enlarged veins that are blue in color. It is often seen in the legs and ankle region. Generally they do not produce any symptoms and if at all any symptoms are seen it will be mild. It can cause heaviness or pain in the legs. Pain can be felt when a person gets up after sitting for long hours. It can cause swelling of legs or ankles. Muscle cramps are present with burning pain for some people.
In rare cases it can produce scaling on the skin and inflammation. It can cause itching and bleeding (for minor injury) in the affected veins due to thinning of skin. For some people skin ulcers are seen on the ankle which can be due to vascular disease. In serious cases, varicose veins can lead to the condition called deep vein thrombosis.