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How Do Varicose Veins Start?

January 10, 2018 • • Varicose Veins

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins tend to form in the lower legs for a very good reason. They are symptomatic of an inability of the body to circulate blood upward against the pull of gravity. In short, varicose veins have weakened or damaged tissue walls that cannot effectively return blood back to the heart. Normal veins have a healthy elasticity and contain a series of functional one-way valves that close with each pump of the heart to prevent blood from falling downward and pooling.

Varicose veins arise when formerly healthy veins lose their elasticity and their internal valves fail to operate properly. Instead of completely closing after each heart pump, a valve in varicose vein allows blood to leak through. As a result, blood begins to pool and pressure begins to build, causing the vein to become enlarged, twisted, and/or discolored.

The Causes of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins naturally arise as we age and our veins begin to lose their elasticity. They also become more visible as our skin gradually loosens and becomes thinner. There are several factors, however, that contribute to the formation and the exacerbation of varicose veins. These factors include…

  • Venous disease and/or vein inflammation
  • Carrying extra weight due to obesity or pregnancy
  • Smoking
  • Leg injury/trauma
  • Muscle weakness and/or inactivity
  • Sun Damage
  • Cancer

When it comes to the development of venous disease and the propensity toward varicose veins in general, genetics seem to play a prominent role. Strenuous exercise and exposure to high levels of heat can also cause blood pressure to rise and veins to bulge, contributing to overall vein stress and damage. While veins usually shrink when blood flow and bodily temperatures return to normal, the damage can be permanent if it is consistent and/or severe.

Varicose Vein Treatment

Fortunately, there are multiple effective and minimally invasive options these days when it comes to treating and managing varicose veins.  Many people choose the effectiveness, speed, and convenience of laser vein treatment for even the deepest of varicose veins and transdermal laser treatment for superficial spider veins near the surface. Other treatment options include phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and the adhesive-based VenaSeal vein closure system.

Act Today

Although varicose veins can arise for a variety of reasons, they are easily diagnosed and treated by a physician who specializes in vein medicine. If you live in Las Vegas vein treatment is just a phone call away. Contact Dr. Craig L Iwamoto and the Desert Vein Institute today. A medical professional will answer any questions that you might have about the causes of and the solutions to your varicose vein problem.

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