Who is affected by varicose veins and why do they occur?
Varicose veins affect over half of American adults. Women are at highest risk, though about a quarter of adult men also have them. Heredity, pregnancy, age, prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, hormone levels, and physical trauma can all contribute to their development.

What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are typically found in the legs, where they create ropey bulges under the skin, often as large or larger around than a pencil. Varicose veins are a serious health issue, not just a cosmetic concern.
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What are spider veins?
Spider veins are tiny varicose veins that may be blue or red and don?t protrude above the skin?s surface. While people with spider veins often seek attention for cosmetic reasons, these veins can also cause substantial leg discomfort that can be alleviated with treatment. Spider veins are frequently associated with leaking of the larger veins in the leg that would be treatable with either Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) or RF-Radiofrequency (VNUS) Closure treatments. Often, if the larger veins are not treated first, the spider veins will continue to reappear a year or so after Sclerotherapy, giving the patient the impression that Sclerotherapy did not work.

What are the symptoms and health implications of varicose veins?
People with varicose veins might experience pain, heaviness, fatigue, swelling, burning, itching, throbbing, tenderness, and restlessness in their legs. Left untreated, varicose veins can worsen over time and lead to chronic and serious health problems including inflammation (phlebitis), blood clots, tissue loss, bleeding, external sores, and eczema. It is not uncommon for people to have the symptoms of leaking veins without having large varicose veins, and it is usually just a matter of time before they develop. If you have symptoms similar to those listed above, you may well have venous disease and should consider being evaluated.

What is the medical explanation of varicose veins?
Large arteries carry blood from your heart to your arms and legs, then smaller veins return the blood to the heart to be recirculated. Small, one-way valves in the veins allow blood to flow upward toward the heart, but close to prevent blood from flowing back down. When these valves fail, blood pools in the veins
(a phenomenon known as “reflux”), causing them to enlarge and become varicose. In other words, when the valves fail, gravity wins.

How can I avoid getting varicose veins or suffering a recurrence after treatment?
You can be proactive in keeping your legs healthy and reducing your risk for varicose veins by following a few simple guidelines: get regular exercise (hiking and biking are great choices), avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time without a break, don’t smoke, and control your weight.