Varicose veins are caused by weak or failing vein valves that cause the blood to pool or backup in the veins, instead of returning to the heart. As a result, the veins swell and enlarge until they are visible beneath the skin.
Some varicose veins on legs may have a bluish tint, while others do not vary from the natural color of the skin. Although varicose veins are often hereditary, there are a number of other risk factors for this condition:
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause varicose veins on legs, especially for those with a genetic predisposition for the condition. During pregnancy, the body experiences increased blood volume, which places more pressure on the vein walls and valves. The added weight of the growing fetus can also place pressure on the vein walls and valves, causing them to weaken.
Hormones
Certain hormones, especially progesterone and estrogen, can cause varicose veins due to their relaxing effect on the vein walls and valves. This relaxation can cause a temporary weakening of the vein valves.
Gravity
Gravity may increase the risk for varicose veins on legs. For those that stand or sit for long periods of time, the veins and their valves have to work even harder to route blood back to the heart. This added effort can result in a weakening of the valves or vein walls, leading to varicose veins on calves or legs.
Time
Over time, the vein walls and valves are weakened by the constant wear and tear caused by normal circulation. As a result, blood that should be pumped back to the heart may begin to pool in the veins, causing varicose veins on legs.
Find Varicose Vein Treatment at Goldman Vein Specialist
At the Goldman Vein Institute, we understand that varicose veins can be a painful and embarrassing condition. At our state-of-the-art vein clinic, we offer treatments such as sclerotherapy and endovenous laser thermal ablation, which 50 – 80% of varicose veins within just a few sessions.
Are you ready to get back on your feet and say goodbye to varicose veins? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Goldman or Dr. Varghese-Goldman at any one of our convenient Florida locations.
We have offices located in Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Wellington, Florida, and are proud to offer varicose vein treatment to patients from the surrounding communities of North Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Stuart, Bal Harbor, and Palm Beach Gardens.