![]() dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein.muscle cramp in your legs, particularly at night.Some people with varicose veins may experience pain or discomfort.Īs well as their distinctive appearance, symptoms of varicose veins can include: Varicose veins are dark purple or blue in colour and are usually twisted and bulging in appearance. In rare cases, varicose veins are caused by other conditions. As the womb expands it puts pressure on veins in your pelvic area, which can sometimes cause them to become varicose.Īlthough being pregnant can increase your risk of developing varicose veins, most women find their veins significantly improve after the baby is born. Varicose veins may also develop as the womb (uterus) begins to grow. Increased hormone levels during pregnancy also cause the muscular walls of the blood vessels to relax, which also increases your risk. Pregnancyĭuring pregnancy, the amount of blood increases to help support the developing baby. This is because your blood does not flow as easily when you are standing for long periods of time. Some research suggests jobs that require long periods of standing may increase your risk of getting varicose veins. Use a healthy weight calculator to check whether you are overweight. ![]() The impact of body weight on the development of varicose veins appears to be more significant in women. This can put increased pressure on the valves, making them more prone to leaking. Being overweightīeing overweight puts extra pressure on your veins, which means they have to work harder to send the blood back to your heart. AgeĪs you get older, your veins start to lose their elasticity and the valves inside them stop working as well. This suggests varicose veins may be partly caused by your genes (the units of genetic material you inherit from your parents). Your risk of developing varicose veins is increased if a close family member has the condition. Hormones are chemicals produced by the body, and changes may be caused by pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome or the menopause. Research suggests this may be because female hormones tend to relax the walls of veins, making the valves more prone to leaking. Women are more likely to be affected by varicose veins than men. Increased riskĪ number of things can increase your likelihood of developing varicose veins, including: Some people develop the condition for no obvious or apparent reason. The reasons why the walls of the veins stretch and the valves in your veins weaken are not fully understood. If this happens, the blood will collect in your veins, which will become swollen and enlarged. If the valves don't function properly, this can cause the blood to leak and flow backwards. Sometimes the walls of the veins become stretched and lose their elasticity, causing the valves to weaken. Inside your veins are tiny one-way valves that open to let the blood through and then close to prevent it flowing backwards. Varicose veins are usually caused by weak vein walls and valves. This is because standing and walking puts extra pressure on the veins in the lower body. Women are more likely to develop them than men.Īny vein in the body can become varicose, but they most commonly develop in the legs and feet, particularly in the calves. Varicose veins are a common condition, affecting up to 3 in 10 adults. Read more about the causes of varicose veins. If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be swollen and enlarged (varicose).Ĭertain things can increase your chances of developing varicose veins, such as: The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through. In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to the heart. Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly. Read more about diagnosing varicose veins. Your GP can diagnose varicose veins based on these symptoms, although further tests may be carried out. Read more about the symptoms of varicose veins. dry skin and colour changes in the lower leg.They may also be lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance. ![]() Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins – usually blue or dark purple – that usually occur on the legs.
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