Do you have problems with varicose veins?

By Jane Fore, MD

Swelling of the legs, brown discoloration of the skin of the calf, many visible large veins, a blue mass of little veins around the ankle, pain and fatigue in the legs, injuries that do not heal or spontaneous development of ulcers or redness and inflammation of the calf tissues are all signs of problems with vericose veins. Not all vericose veins are serious enough to cause chronic problems. If you have them, you can do things to prevent complications.

Varicose veins are common. They can be very large visible veins or swollen medium size veins or even small spider-like veins on the calf area or around the ankle. These swollen, enlarged and visible veins represent veins that are experiencing excess pressure, causing the normal circulation pattens to slow the return of blood back to the heart. Veins return the blood to the heart that was sent down the legs by arteries.

The arteries have the pressure of the heart pump to send out the blood and they have a pulse. The veins have no pulse to push the blood forward and must work against gravity to bring the blood back to the heart. The muscles in the legs help propel circulation to the heart. There are valves in the veins that allow the blood to move forward and then close to prevent back flow and the slowing of circulation in the veins and tissue of the legs. Venous hypertension is the term often used to indicate problems in the venous circulation. High pressure in the veins.

Conditions leading to venous hypertension/vein problems include family history of vein problems, trauma, past blood clots in the veins damaging the valves, jobs with a lot of sitting and standing, crossing legs and changes of aging. Obesity can aggravate this condition.

A minor trauma on the calf can bring attention to this problem as there is delayed healing or non-healing. Sudden development of an ulcer or pain in the legs can occur without trauma. Also, redness and swelling mimicking an infection can just be inflammation from venous hypertension.

Wearing compression stockings is the best prevention and treatment. The stockings need to go to the top of the calf. They provide support to promote circulation up to the heart, treating venous hypertension and prevention of complications. They come in different strengths, with Class 1 being the most common. Elevation of the legs above the level of the heart when possible and sleeping in a bed instead of a recliner are very helpful. There are also wraps that can be applied to give support to veins. There are surgeries to repair and treat venous hypertension and poorly functioning veins.

If you are having leg problems as mentioned above, check with your primary care provider. Find out what the problem is, so you can treat and prevent. Identification of problems is the first step to treatment and prevention.