Causes of Varicose Veins

Causes of Varicose Vein Disease

The single most common cause of vein disease is heredity.  Approximately 70% of all patients with varicose veins have a parent with the same condition.  Additional factors leading to varicose veins include gender, pregnancy, and age. Other factors may speed up the development of this disease and make the veins worse, such as prolonged standing, obesity, hormone levels, and physical trauma. 

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

In addition to the visual appearance, many patients may experience one or more of the following leg symptoms: 

• Pain (an aching or cramping feeling)
• Heaviness/Tiredness
• Burning or tingling sensations
• Swelling/Throbbing
• Tender areas around the veins
• Swelling

Why do varicose veins occur?

Veins are thin-walled blood vessels that carry blood from the body tissues back to the heart. They accomplish this through a series of one-way valves that keep the blood flowing in an orderly way towards the trunk. Varicose veins occur when some of the valves between the deep and superficial veins of the leg no longer function properly.  This leads to a condition called reflux, where blood reverses direction when standing and flows towards the feet. Multiple pregnancies, obesity, age, heredity, and jobs that require prolonged periods of standing can all cause veins to malfunction.

Can varicose veins be prevented?

The underlying conditions described above usually make ‘preventing’ varicose veins impossible, however certain measures may help relieve discomfort from existing varicose veins and prevent others from arising:

• Exercise regularly (walking is ideal)
• Avoid standing for long periods of time
• Avoid sitting for long periods
• Avoid tightly crossing legs while sitting
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Use of a compression stocking