Why do varicose veins form

Factors that may increase pressure include:. Deep vein thrombosis DVT is a serious condition with blood clots in the deep veins. This condition does not usually happen with varicose veins. That is because varicose veins affect the veins close to the surface of the skin. However, with severe varicose veins, there is a small chance of developing blood clots in the deep veins. Blood clots need medical care right away. Symptoms of blood clots include pain, swelling, and redness of the leg.

Blood clots may also happen in the arms or other parts of the body. If you have symptoms that may mean a blood clot, call your healthcare provider. A piece of a blood clot may break off and travel to the lungs pulmonary embolism. A blood clot in the lungs is very serious and may cause death.

Symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing may cough up blood , a fast heartbeat, sweating, and fainting. If you have symptoms that may mean a blood clot in the lungs, call or get emergency help. The following are the most common symptoms of varicose veins. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:. Severe varicose veins may eventually produce long-term mild swelling that can result in more serious skin and tissue problems.

These include ulcers and nonhealing sores. The symptoms of varicose veins may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Some of these treatments include:. It is best to visit your doctor at the first sight of varicose veins. Using diagnostic ultrasound imaging, a vein specialist can see how the veins in your legs are functioning. The imaging can point to weakened areas that are causing blood to pool. At Premier Vein and Vascular, we specialize in vein treatment. We want to help you look and feel your absolute best.

The vascular system, which circulates oxygenated blood through the body, can be affected by age and unhealthy habits as much as any other bodily system. View all trials from ClinicalTrials. Visit Children and Clinical Studies to hear experts, parents, and children talk about their experiences with clinical research. After reading our Varicose Veins Health Topic, you may be interested in additional information found in the following resources.

Varicose Veins. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that lie just under the skin and usually occur in the legs.

Treatment - Varicose Veins. Lifestyle changes. These may include: Aiming for a healthy weight. This will improve blood flow and ease the pressure on your veins. Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods. When sitting, elevate your feet so your legs are raised above the level of your heart. Being physically active to help blood move through your veins. Strenuous or vigorous exercise might make varicose veins worse.

Before starting any exercise program, ask your doctor about what level of physical activity is right for you. Options for medical procedures include: Endovenous ablation to close off a varicose vein.

The procedure uses lasers or radiofrequency energy to heat the inside of the vein and close it off. Your doctor numbs the area around the vein so you do not feel pain during the procedure. Bruising, pain, and changes in skin color are common after endovenous ablation. More serious complications, including numbness, venous thromboembolism, and skin burns, are rare. Sclerotherapy to close off a varicose vein.

Your doctor injects liquid or foam chemicals into the vein to seal it closed. Liquid sclerotherapy is often used for spider veins. Complications of foam sclerotherapy may include skin color changes and, rarely, venous thromboembolism, nerve damage, serious allergic reaction, or stroke. Some people may have temporary vision problems, headaches, or confused mental states.

Surgery to remove severe varicose veins. For larger, deeper veins, your doctor may use tools to tie off and remove them in a procedure called vein ligation or stripping. Surgery can often be done on an outpatient basis, but you may need medicine to help you sleep during the procedure. Because surgery may involve more pain and a longer recovery time, this option is usually only for people who are not candidates for endovenous ablation or sclerotherapy.

Surgery complications may include infection, nerve damage, bruising, pain, and changes in skin color. Severe complications are rare. Compression therapy. They are the veins that stick out above the skin and look ropey and bumpy. There are two types of vessels that carry blood throughout our bodies — veins and arteries. So why is there no such thing as a varicose artery? Veins and arteries work together to move blood throughout the body.

Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart, while veins carry oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart.