No one wants them, but 40 million US adults have them: varicose veins. Many believe that these purple, often swollen lines on the legs and ankles are an unfortunate, but normal, part of the aging process.
Yes, they are more common in older adults, but they are not inevitable. UR Medicine vascular surgeon Dr. Jennifer Ellis explains what causes it varicose veinshow to reduce your risk of getting them and how they are treated.
Health Issues: How Common Are Varicose Veins?
Ellis: Varicose veins and varicose veins are very common, affecting about 40 percent of men and 70 percent of women by the age of 60. The main risk factors include pregnancy (which is why women get them more often), prolonged periods of time standing, and bad genes. They are very common in teachers, cashiers and healthcare professionals because of the time they spend on their feet.
Health Issues: What Causes Them?
Ellis: A vein is a muscular tube that drains blood from the legs and feet back to the heart. Over time, veins can weaken, stretch, and dilate, which can create leaky valves. Then they become visible and, if left untreated, the veins become swollen and painful.
Health Issues: Are There Ways to Avoid Varicose Veins?
Ellis: An active lifestyle can help prevent them. It’s important to stay active during the workday, especially if you have a job that requires prolonged standing or sitting. Take breaks and walk to exercise your leg muscles.
If you stand all day, consider wearing compression socks. They prevent the development of varicose veins and manage early symptoms such as heavy, tired legs, swelling and cramps.
Health Issues: Crossing the Legs at the Knee Linked to Varicose Veins or Varicose Veins?
Ellie: Despite old wives’ tales that crossing your legs or wearing high heels contribute to varicose veins, they don’t. It’s not a direct correlation, but if you cross your legs a lot, you’re probably doing sedentary work. As for high heels, some people believe that the calves don’t bend as much when we wear heels, which is loosely related to varicose veins. I wouldn’t say you can’t cross your legs or wear high heels, just be aware of what you’re doing and for how long.
Health Issues: How Are Varicose Veins Treated?
Ellis: There are a variety of treatments available for varicose veins and varicose veins. Most of these are done in the doctor’s office and are relatively painless, allowing for a quick return to your normal routine. And most health insurance plans cover them.
They include:
- Sclerotherapy— an injection for spider veins with almost instant results.
- Vein removal—using tiny electrodes placed on the end of a catheter inserted into the varicocele. The electrodes heat the vein walls and destroy the vein tissue.
- VenaSeal— injecting medical glue into the dysfunctional vein to seal it. This technique eliminates the need for compression stockings.
- Laser treatment— inserting a tiny fiber into a varicocele to emit laser energy that destroys the diseased part of your varicocele.
- Compression socks— Elastic stockings that compress the veins and prevent excess blood from flowing backwards. They can also relieve pain and swelling.
When it comes to treatment, women tend to seek it more often than men. However, treatment is necessary, regardless of gender, because varicose veins can indicate a real health risk.
Jennifer Ellis, MDis a vascular surgeon and its director UR Medicine’s Vein Centerlocated at 140 Canal View Blvd.in Rochester, New York
