WHAT IS VARICOSE VEIN?

Varicose veins are Gnarled, enlarged veins, most commonly appearing in the legs and feet. Any vein that is close to the skin's surface (superficial) can become varicosed. Varicose veins most commonly affect the veins in the legs. That's because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body.

Varicose veins are generally benign. Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured. Varicose veins might not cause pain.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• An achy or heavy feeling in the legs
• Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in the lower legs
• Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
• Itching around one or more of the veins
• Changes in skin color around a varicose vein

CAUSES

Weak or damaged valves can lead to varicose veins. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Veins return blood from the rest of the body to the heart. To return blood to the heart, the veins in the legs must work against gravity.

Muscle contractions in the lower legs act as pumps, and elastic vein walls help blood return to the heart. Tiny valves in the veins open as blood flows towards the heart, then close to stop blood from flowing backward. If these valves are weak or damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins, causing the veins to stretch or twist.

REASON OF TREATMENT EARLY:

Varicose veins, if not treated timely

• Can lead to permanent damage to leg veins
• Clots formation in legs
• Severe leg infection called cellulitis
• Non Healing ulcers can form