{"id":14510,"date":"2020-03-31T06:50:54","date_gmt":"2020-03-31T06:50:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=14510"},"modified":"2021-05-07T13:02:10","modified_gmt":"2021-05-07T13:02:10","slug":"14-common-causes-of-varicose-veins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-causes-of-varicose-veins\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Causes of Varicose Veins"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Varicose veins are unsightly or bulging veins that appear on the surface of the skin. Sometimes these varicose veins are large, swollen and bulge out from the surface, and in some cases, they do not appear swollen, but are bright purple or reddish and branch out like spider\u2019s legs; the latter are often called \u201cspider veins.\u201d Varicose veins create more of an aesthetic problem than health problems, but in some cases, they may signal an issue with the veins or with the cardiovascular system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The majority of those who suffer from varicose veins are women, although between 10% to 20% of men can develop this condition. Genes play a large role in the development of discolored or swollen veins; around 90% of those who have varicose veins had a mother or grandmother with the same condition. Laser surgery may correct this condition, but avoiding knee highs and high heels may prevent it from getting worse. 
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1. Sedentary Lifestyle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many of us spend hours a day at desk jobs and more time driving to and from work. After work, we may sit in front of the television for hours. The sedentary nature of many of our lives can be responsible for weight gain, poor cardiovascular health and the development of varicose veins<\/a>. The job of the veins is to take the blood back to the heart and lungs after it has been used by the organs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a person is sedentary, circulation is poor and slow, and the veins take longer to bring the blood back. As a result, clogs can develop in the veins and can cause varicose veins. One way to prevent and reduce the problem of varicose veins is to get at least 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week. Try walking to work instead of driving or riding the bus. 
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2. Pregnancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women who have never had problems with varicose veins before may suddenly discover the veins on their legs are bulging or discolored. Not all pregnant women have this issue, but many actually develop varicose veins when the growing uterus <\/a>puts weight on the inferior vena cava, or the main vein going from the lower part of your body back to the heart. When you are pregnant, it is important to make sure you get plenty of exercise to improve circulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This not only helps prevent varicose veins but will also help your body bring nourishment to your fetus more efficiently. In addition, try wearing specially designed maternity support hose that puts pressure on parts of the leg and allows circulation to move upward, preventing varicose veins. Regular support hose can compound the problem. You may also want to make sure you are sleeping on the left side of your body to relieve pressure from the inferior vena cava. 
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3. Rapid Weight Gain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gaining weight <\/a>rapidly can put extra strain on the veins in the lower portion of your body and can interfere with their ability to bring blood back to the lungs and the heart. As a result, bulging or discolored veins may develop on your legs. Although it is hard to make them go away, varicose veins can be reduced by losing weight and easing the pressure placed on the veins, particularly the inferior vena cava, which brings much of the blood that circulates in the lower part of your body back up again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stretching can also help encourage normal circulation and can help the blood flow more easily. It is also useful to wear compression hose that helps press the veins and freeing the blood to circulate back up to the lungs and heart. Getting aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, dancing or cardio exercise, can get your heart pumping and improve circulation. 
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4. Prolonged Standing <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although sitting too much can be a major cause of varicose veins, standing too long can be responsible for bulging veins on the leg. Security guards, wait staff and airline stewards commonly experience varicose veins. Spending too much time on your feet can cause the blood <\/a>to gather in the lower part of your body rather than flow. As a result, you may see discolored veins on your legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can create a balance between sitting and standing at your job, that is probably the best solution. Sitting too much can also create varicose veins, so avoid going to the opposite extreme. If you are stuck standing at your job, try to get as much exercise as possible when you are off the clock, wear flat shoes and elevate your legs at home to take the pressure off. You can sit with your legs raised when you are watching television or do gentle stretches to coax the blood flow. 
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5. Weakened Walls of the Veins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many of the causes of varicose veins are not associated with serious health problems, but sometimes these discolored veins could be a sign of a deeper problem. Chronic venous insufficiency could lead to weak venous walls, and one sign could be varicose veins. If the walls of the veins are weak, they cannot carry the blood upward efficiently. The weakness <\/a>in the walls may be caused by damage to the valves of the veins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the valves are not moving properly, the blood gathers and puts pressure on the walls of the veins. In addition to varicose veins, symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency are general tiredness and fatigue, swelling in the legs, discoloration of the skin in the lower part of the body, usually the legs, and skin ulcers that take a long time to heal. If you suspect you have Chronic Venous Insufficiency, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to solve the problem. 
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6. Weakened Valves in the Veins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The task of the veins is to return the blood, which is full of carbon dioxide<\/a>, from the other organs back to the heart and the lungs so they can oxygenate the blood. The blood passes from the lower parts of the body to the upper parts of the body in the veins with the help of valves, or flaps, that open and close. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the valves are damaged, the blood can flow too quickly, leading to low blood pressure, or too slowly, which causes high blood pressure when the blood builds up in the veins. This pressure weakens the walls of the veins and discolored or bulging veins can form. Improving general health can help decrease the number and severity of varicose veins. Getting enough exercise and improving circulation can take the pressure off the valves in your veins and can help them move blood more efficiently. 
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7. Phlebitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although varicose veins themselves are usually harmless, they can signal a more profound problem. Phlebitis <\/a>is also swollen veins that can look just like regular varicose veins, but they result from an injury to the veins. Thrombophlebitis, for instance, is caused by a blood clot. Varicose veins themselves are not usually a cause for alarm, but it should be noted that those who have varicose veins run a greater risk of developing Thromophlebitis later on. If the varicose veins are the result of a weak vein wall, phlebitis can result as a complication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether the problem is phlebitis or regular varicose veins, a health regimen is a good way to deal with the problem. Cutting out saturated fats and salty foods, exercising regularly and relieving stress are ways to improve vein health. Once varicose veins have appeared, they are probably not going to go away entirely, but they can become less apparent. 
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8. Chronic Constipation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have varicose veins, it is important to keep in mind that anything that puts pressure on the lower body can make the situation worse. Sudden weight gain and pregnancy add pressure to crucial veins, such as the inferior vena cava, and can make it more difficult to bring blood from the lower organs to the heart and the lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Constipation also adds weight to the lower region and can make things more difficult for the veins in your legs. If you have varicose veins and are constipated frequently, eating a diet rich in fiber and drinking plenty of liquids can help relieve your constipation and take the pressure off your veins. Avoid eating too many white potatoes, rice, and bananas which can promote constipation in excess. When possible, eat whole foods, such as whole grains and apples with the peel on. 
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9. Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Varicose veins are often considered symptomatic of aging, although young people, particularly pregnant women, can develop discolored or swollen veins. However, varicose veins, even if they are developed when a person is younger, can often get worse with age <\/a>as the circulation tends to slow down and the body ages. Although the majority of varicose veins sufferers are women, about 10 to 20% of men can start to develop them as they reach their 70s and 80s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your grandmother or grandfather had swollen or discolored veins, your chances of developing the same issue are higher. One way to offset the development of this condition is to improve your general health and engage in plenty of exercise and cardiovascular activity. If your circulation is healthy and strong, there is less likelihood of having problems with your veins. In addition, avoid wearing knee socks or knee-highs that can cut off circulation in the lower part of your body. 
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10. Gender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gender <\/a>is a major factor in the development of varicose veins. It isn\u2019t unheard of for men in advanced age also to suffer from this problem, but it is mainly a problem women face as they age, particularly if there is a family history of varicose veins. Women often develop swollen and discolored veins when they are pregnant because of the pressure the growing fetus in the uterus places on the arteries and veins in the lower part of the body, particularly the inferior vena cava. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of things women can do to avoid this problem. Staying active and fit can play a large role in improving circulation and relieving pressure in the lower part of the body. Avoiding wearing knee socks or knee highs, opting for compression pantyhose, and elevating the legs as much as possible can prevent or slow down the development of varicose veins. 
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11. Genetics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Genetics <\/a>plays a role in many health conditions, and the development of varicose veins is one of them. If someone in your family had varicose veins, you have a high chance of also having them, especially in advanced years. Although there are many things that you can do to make it less likely you will develop varicose veins, the genetic factor is quite strong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, in most cases, unless the cause is an underlying problem with the veins themselves, varicose veins may be unsightly, but harmless. If you know you run a high risk of developing this problem, avoid things that contribute to it. Avoid wearing high heeled shoes often or knee-highs. Compression pantyhose can help encourage the veins to move the blood upwards. Either a sedentary lifestyle or a job that keeps you on your feet all day can put pressure on your veins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Wearing High Heels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are some cases in which what you choose to wear can have a direct effect on your body. High heels may look attractive, but they tend to hitch up the muscles of the calf and can add pressure to the veins <\/a>on your legs. If you like to look elegant on a night out, you may be able to wear high heels once in a while, but keep it to a minimum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you run a risk for varicose veins or want to keep the problem under control, wear flat, comfortable shoes that fit well and do not squeeze on the foot or lift the leg. After a day of work, elevate your legs so the blood can flow more easily and to allay any pressure on your legs. In addition to high heels, you may also want to avoid knee socks or knee-high pantyhose.
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13. Smoking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are too many reasons not to smoke to list here, but yet another encouragement to quit or never to start is the link between varicose veins and smoking<\/a>. Not only does smoking discolor your teeth, cause foul breath and promote wrinkles, it can also cause your veins to become discolored and appear spider-like or bulge intrusively. When you smoke, blood vessels become narrow, and it makes the passage of the blood through the veins and arteries more difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This narrowing of the veins increases blood pressure and can lead to a host of problems, with varicose veins as one of the least serious. The narrowing of the veins can pave the way for thrombosis, or blood clots, which in turn can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. In addition, cigarettes contain carcinogens that can lead to cancer. If you have only varicose veins because of smoking, it is important to quit before something more serious develops. 
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14. Birth Control Pills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although many women take birth control pills without major adverse effects, one side effect of birth control pills can be blood clotting and forming varicose veins. The reason for the link is that the hormones <\/a>that keep a woman from getting pregnant also have a role in the way blood flows through the body. The birth control pill works by combining estrogen and progesterone in a way that makes the body \u201cthink\u201d it is already pregnant, therefore preventing a real pregnancy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this hormone combination can also make more work for the veins and can lead to discolored or swollen veins. Although this may be concerning, it is not an inevitable result of going on the pill. If you are concerned about varicose veins and are taking birth control, avoid other habits that may lead to the development of varicose veins. Wear flat shoes, avoid knee-high socks and get plenty of exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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