Cause and Prevention of Common Vein Conditions

Apr 19, 2019

Unsightly veins on your legs may be trying to tell you something, but what? If you’ve seen the appearance of bulging veins or blood vessels on your skin, you may have a vein condition. Understanding the cause and prevention of common vein conditions is the best way to get started reclaiming control over them. Don’t let the pain in your legs take over your life. Get to the root of the problem and learn how to maintain healthy circulation!

What Causes Vein Conditions?

We all know there are various vein conditions that can add discomfort and displeasure to your life. It is important to know what causes these problems and how to prevent veins from popping out. To understand how it happens we’ll have to first understand the role of veins and what they do. Our veins carry blood to the heart which replenishes our bodies with oxygen. The blood supply is then recirculated to all our vital organs, muscles, and tissue. Veins play a crucial role in distributing our blood through a channel of tiny blood vessels. Furthermore, they send blood to the heart where the process of filtration continues. The bulging or popping out of veins can be caused by various reasons, including problems with the valves of the vein.  These bulging veins can prevent the proper flow of blood and result in leaking in the lower part of the vein rather than continuous flow towards the heart. Built up pressure in the veins can also cause them to dilate and contort, leading to more curvature where they should be straight. In medical terms, veins that pop out are typically classified and diagnosed as varicose veins or spider veins.

Understanding Different Vein Conditions

There is a lack of proper information about various vein conditions, symptoms, and causes in people. Understanding vein conditions can save you from needless pain, discomfort, or a lack of confidence.

Three Types of Vein Conditions

  • Varicose Veins
  • Spider veins
  • Reticular veins

What are Varicose Veins?

This type of vein condition is often painful. Varicose veins are clearly visible as they are usually bulging or bumpy veins in the lower extremities, and often have a rope-like appearance. This may occur anywhere in the leg. Most people have it in the back of their calf or the inside of the leg.

Symptom and Causes:

Symptoms of varicose veins include pain in the leg, cramping, continuous fatigue or heaviness in the legs. Other symptoms include swelling in the ankles, restlessness and in more severe cases, blisters and ulcers. There are many factors that can raise the risks of varicose veins according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Some of these include family factors such as their history, age, chronic problems, pregnancy, obesity, and lifestyle. People in certain jobs or occupations may develop this condition as well, particularly those who sit/stand for a prolonged period. Varicose veins can be extremely disrupting as it may limit or impair a person’s movement which can affect their quality of life.

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are often a tangled group of blood vessels that bear a close resemblance to a spider web. The formation of the group of veins just under the skin is usually red, purple or blue in color and is clearly visible on the thighs, legs, and face.

Symptom and Causes:

Spider veins may cause itching, burning and even severe discomfort and pain. But, for many people there may be no symptoms present aside from the appearance of veins. Just like in varicose veins, spider veins are also caused by a common medical condition which is known as venous insufficiency. As discussed previously, our veins carry blood from our body tissues to the heart. Our hearts then replenish the blood supply with oxygen and re-circulate it throughout the body. This is made possible with the help of tiny one-way valves.  Each vein has microvalves and with every pump of the heart, our blood flows through a series of them in the veins. This is to help the blood flow travel upward from our legs as it returns to the heart. When these valves fail or leak, the blood collects in this region causing the veins to form a spider web-like appearance.

What Are Reticular Veins?

Reticular veins are sometimes called feeder veins or blue veins. It occurs when veins become dilated, causing blood to flow backward. This creates an increase in pressure leading to enlarged veins. The veins become twisted and can often bulge and look unattractive as they make blue or green lines appear under the skin. Reticular veins can take on a marbled appearance.

Symptom and Causes:

Reticular veins are very common, affecting about 80% of adults and can be caused by hormone imbalances, weak veins, or as a result of certain genetic factors. It also depends on weight, UV skin damage, and occupations which require a lot of time spent sitting or standing.

Prevention

Now that we understand the causes and symptoms of vein conditions, here are some tips to help prevent varicose veins and related symptoms.

  • Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength, circulation, and vein strength, however, do not overdo it. Exercise should be done in a disciplined manner. Overexerting yourself may put extra pressure on the veins and can cause muscle pain.
  • Control your weight to avoid placing too much pressure on your legs. Excessive weight puts a lot of pressure on the veins and can promote venous disease, damaging the veins and cause them to pop out.
  • Eat healthy food and maintain a good diet. Adding fruits, vegetables, and vital nutrients can help improve circulation and keep veins healthy.
  • Take proper care of your body and skin, maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle and consult a doctor if you feel any leg pain, discomfort, uneasiness or restlessness in your legs.
  • Embrace a healthy lifestyle, get rid of unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking or eating too much junk food.
  • Do not cross your legs when sitting and try to elevate your legs when resting
  • Do not stand for long periods of time

By taking these preventive measures, you can not only maintain healthy circulation and veins but also improve the overall health of your skin and vascular system.

Book an appointment with us or call to know more!

Here, at NJVVC we offer you expert diagnosis and treatment of various venous diseases. We are equipped with the latest and most advanced technologies for quick diagnosis and effective treatment. We achieve high-quality care for our patients through minimally invasive procedures and therapies, restoring patients to their ideal lifestyle. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment!
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