Varicose-Spider-Veins.Pdf
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F REQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS prevent blood from flowing backwards as it moves up your legs. If the valves Varicose become weak, blood can leak back into the veins and collect there. (This problem is called venous insufficiency.) Veins and When backed-up blood makes the veins bigger, they can become varicose. Spider veins can be caused by the back- Spider Veins up of blood. They can also be caused by hormone changes, exposure to the sun, http://www.womenshealth.gov and injuries. 1-800-994-9662 Q: What are varicose veins and spi- der veins? TDD: 1-888-220-5446 Q: How common are abnormal leg A: Varicose (VAR-i-kos) veins are enlarged veins? veins that can be blue, red, or flesh- A: About 50 to 55 percent of women and colored. They often look like cords and 40 to 45 percent of men in the United appear twisted and bulging. They can States suffer from some type of vein be swollen and raised above the surface problem. Varicose veins affect half of of the skin. Varicose veins are often people 50 years and older. found on the thighs, backs of the calves, or the inside of the leg. During preg- nancy, varicose veins can form around Q: What factors increase my risk of the vagina and buttocks. varicose veins and spider veins? Spider veins are like varicose veins but A: Many factors increase a person's chances smaller. They also are closer to the of developing varicose or spider veins. surface of the skin than varicose veins. These include: Often, they are red or blue. They can • Increasing age. As you get older, look like tree branches or spiderwebs the valves in your veins may weaken with their short, jagged lines. They can and not work as well. be found on the legs and face and can • Medical history. Being born with cover either a very small or very large weak vein valves increases your risk. area of skin. Having family members with vein problems also increases your risk. Q: What causes varicose veins and About half of all people who have spider veins? varicose veins have a family member A: Varicose veins can be caused by weak or who has them too. damaged valves in the veins. The heart • Hormonal changes. These occur pumps blood filled with oxygen and during puberty, pregnancy, and nutrients to the whole body through menopause. Taking birth control the arteries. Veins then carry the blood pills and other medicines containing from the body back to the heart. As estrogen and progesterone also may your leg muscles squeeze, they push contribute to the forming of varicose blood back to the heart from your lower or spider veins. page 1 body against the flow of gravity. Veins • Pregnancy. During pregnancy, there have valves that act as one-way flaps to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health F REQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS is a huge increase in the amount of • Heaviness blood in the body. This can cause • Swelling veins to enlarge. The growing uterus also puts pressure on the veins. • Rash that’s itchy or irritated Varicose veins usually improve within • Darkening of the skin (in severe three months after delivery. More cases) varicose veins and spider veins usually • Restless legs appear with each additional pregnancy. • Obesity. Being overweight or obese can put extra pressure on your veins. Q: Are varicose veins and spider http://www.womenshealth.gov This can lead to varicose veins. veins dangerous? A: Spider veins rarely are a serious health 1-800-994-9662 • Lack of movement. Sitting or problem, but they can cause uncom- standing for a long time may force TDD: 1-888-220-5446 fortable feelings in the legs. If there your veins to work harder to pump are symptoms from spider veins, most blood to your heart. This may be a often they will be itching or burning. bigger problem if you sit with your Less often, spider veins can be a sign legs bent or crossed. of blood backup deeper inside that you • Sun exposure. This can cause spi- can’t see on the skin. If so, you could der veins on the cheeks or nose of a have the same symptoms you would fair-skinned person. have with varicose veins. Varicose veins may not cause any prob- Q: Why do varicose veins and spider lems, or they may cause aching pain, veins usually appear in the legs? throbbing, and discomfort. In some A: Most varicose and spider veins appear cases, varicose veins can lead to more in the legs due to the pressure of body serious health problems. These include: weight, force of gravity, and task of • Sores or skin ulcers due to chronic carrying blood from the bottom of the (long-term) backing up of blood. body up to the heart. These sores or ulcers are painful and Compared with other veins in the hard to heal. Sometimes they cannot body, leg veins have the toughest job of heal until the backward blood flow carrying blood back to the heart. They in the vein is repaired. endure the most pressure. This pressure • Bleeding. The skin over the veins can be stronger than the one-way valves becomes thin and easily injured. in the veins. When an injury occurs, there can be significant blood loss. Q: What are the signs of varicose • Superficial thrombophlebitis veins? (throm-bo-fli-BYT-uhs), which A: Varicose veins can often be seen on the is a blood clot that forms in a vein skin. Some other common symptoms of just below the skin. Symptoms varicose veins in the legs include: include skin redness; a firm, ten- der, warm vein; and sometimes • Aching pain that may get worse after pain and swelling. page 2 sitting or standing for a long time • Deep vein thrombosis, which is • Throbbing or cramping a blood clot in a deeper vein. It can U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health F REQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS cause a “pulling” feeling in the calf, used to see the veins’ structure, check the pain, warmth, redness, and swelling. blood flow in your veins, and look for However, sometimes it causes no sig- blood clots. This test uses sound waves to nificant symptoms. If the blood clot create pictures of structures in your body. travels to the lungs, it can be fatal. Although less likely, you might have a venogram. This test can be used to Q: Should I see a doctor about vari- get a more detailed look at blood flow cose veins? through your veins. A: You should see a doctor about varicose If you seek help for your varicose veins, veins if: there are several types of doctors you http://www.womenshealth.gov can see, including: • The vein has become swollen, red, 1-800-994-9662 or very tender or warm to the touch • A phlebologist, which is a vein spe- TDD: 1-888-220-5446 cialist • There are sores or a rash on the leg or near the ankle • A vascular medicine doctor, who focuses on the blood system • The skin on the ankle and calf becomes thick and changes color • A vascular surgeon, who can perform surgery and do other procedures • One of the varicose veins begins to bleed • An interventional radiologist, who specializes in using imaging tools • Your leg symptoms are interfering to see inside the body and do treat- with daily activities ments with little or no cutting • The appearance of the veins is caus- • A dermatologist, who specializes in ing you distress skin conditions If you’re having pain, even if it’s just Each of these specialists do some or all a dull ache, don’t hesitate to get help. of the procedures for treating varicose Also, even if you don’t need to see a veins. You might start out by asking your doctor about your varicose veins, you regular doctor which specialist he or she should take steps to keep them from recommends. You also might check with getting worse (see How can I prevent your insurance plan to see if it would pay varicose veins and spider veins?). for a particular provider or procedure. Q: How are varicose veins diag- Q: How are varicose and spider nosed? veins treated? Your doctor may diagnose your vari- A: A: Varicose veins are treated with lifestyle cose veins based on a physical exam. changes and medical treatments. These Your doctor will look at your legs while can: you’re standing or sitting with your legs dangling. He or she may ask you about • Relieve symptoms your symptoms, including any pain • Prevent complications you’re having. Sometimes, you may have • Improve appearance other tests to find out the extent of the Your doctor may recommend lifestyle page 3 problem and to rule out other disorders. changes if your varicose veins don’t You might have an ultrasound, which is U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health F REQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS cause many symptoms. If symptoms are with healing and decrease swelling. more severe, your doctor may recom- This treatment is very effective when mend medical treatments. Some treat- done correctly. ment options include: Possible side effects include: Compression Stockings • Stinging, red and raised patches of Compression stockings put helpful skin, or bruises where the injection pressure on your veins. There are three was made. These usually go away kinds of compression stockings: shortly after treatment. • Support pantyhose, which offer the • Spots, brown lines, or groups of fine least amount of pressure.