Varicose Veins – What are They

Veins are thin walled vessels through which the impure blood is carried back to the heart. They usually have valves which regulate the flow of blood towards the heart. Varicose veins are a condition in which the veins become enlarged, dilated or thickened.Varicose veins can occur in any part of the body but is more likely to appear on the legs.The veins of the legs are the largest in the body and they carry the blood from the lower extremities upwards towards the heart. The direction of circulation in these vessels is largely determined by gravity. Though there are no mechanical obstacles to blood flow, it is usually the incompetence of the valve which leads to an increase in inter venous pressure.

Varicose veins have an unsightly appearance and can be dangerous. A blood clot within a large, greatly dilated vein may break away and move toward the heart and lungs, causing serious complications. Varicose veins are about thrice as common an occurrence in women than in men.

The first signs of varicose veins is a swelling long the course of the veins. This may be followed by muscular cramps and a feeling of tiredness in the legs behind the knees.

In some cases the normal flow of blood towards the heart may be reversed when the patient is in an upright position. This results in veinous blood collecting in the lower part of the legs and the skin becomes purplish and pigmented, leading to what is known as varicose eczema and varicose ulcers.Both conditions cause severe pain.

A varicose condition of the veins results from sluggish circulation due to various factors, the most important being constipation, dietetic errors and lack of exercise. Standing for long periods and wearing tight clothing can also lead to sluggish circulation.

Pregnancy may cause varicose veins due to increased pressure in the pelvis and abdomen, which slows down the flow of blood from the lower extremities to the heart. Women usually suffer from this condition in the early years of child bearing. Obesity can also cause varicose veins.

Whatever the cause it is extremely painful and it needs treatment .