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When people think of varicose veins they normally think of the moderately unsightly blue veins that are found on the legs of middle-aged women. In reality, people of any age and gender may develop this affliction. The severity of varicose veins will range from mildly unappealing to large masses of tortuous veins that cause the body to look horribly disfigured in the area they are located. What Are Varicose Veins? The term varicose veins is used to describe a type of vascular affliction that occurs when the leaflets within the veins do not match up properly to prevent the reverse flow of blood. This can be caused by a myriad of reasons. Typically a blockage or weakening of the vascular walls will cause this to occur. Much like a water hose that has worn thin in a certain area, the pressure of an individual's blood can force the weakened area to press or bulge outward. This outward bulge will cause the leaflets to misalign thus allowing for the backflow of blood. In minor instances the minor will simply be noticeable. However, in severe cases this may lead to serious health issues. Symptoms The primary symptoms of varicose veins are: * profuse bleeding in a single area, if the individual is not a haemophiliac. * Itching, swelling, or discoloration of the skin in a given area. * Pain or numbness in a specific area of the body. * The ready appearance of blue veins, or veins that bulge from the skin. Varicose veins are most often found on the surface areas of an individual's legs. This is due to the way gravity interacts with the area. This extra strain causes the veins to wear out quicker or to become varicose more easily in this area. Risk Factors A varicose vein is usually not a very dangerous condition to have. In the early stages, wearing pressure hose may solve the issue. However, severely acute forms of this affliction may be a cause for concern. Injuries in the area may bleed profusely. Blockages are more likely to form in a varicose vein. There are even instances of suspected elevation of cancer risks due to this affliction. Individuals who have a highly public job that involves the viewing of their bodies, such as a swimmer or model, will find that varicose veins must be dealt with for professional reasons as well. Treatments There are several treatments for this affliction. Stripping and laser surgery are very common procedures that can cure the affliction. However, the closure procedure is often the most sought after operation. The procedure is very quick, involves little pain, and the scarring is minimal at worst. It takes little time to recuperate after this operation as well, in comparison to the other procedures currently used.
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