Five Common Risk Factors for Varicose Veins

Many health disorders and diseases are associated with a certain set of risk factors, or traits that may suggest you are prone to developing it.

Varicose veins are no different.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins, also sometimes referred to as varicosities, are thick, knotty structures that form under the skin. They are caused by tiny malfunctions in the vein valves that prohibit blood from flowing properly to and from the heart — resulting in blood that pools and the bulging, discolored  appearance along with painful symptoms (usually  in the legs) like aching and swelling.

Our vascular specialists at VeinSolutions know a thing or two about varicose veins. We see patients daily at our treatment centers in Austin and Georgetown, and we are experienced in diagnosing those who are predisposed to this particular venous disorder.

What are some common risk factors for varicose veins?

One of the most common traits for varicose veins is gender. Almost twice as many women than men are affected by varicose veins, according to the Office on Women’s Health.

In addition to being female, here are five other common risk factors linked to varicose veins:

• Heredity: if someone else in your family has varicose veins, or spider veins, there’s a good chance you will too
• Age: the older you get, the more likely you are to develop a venous disorder as the valves inside veins can become weak and inefficient
• Obesity: being overweight can add extra pressure to your entire body, including veins and the circulatory system
• Sedentary lifestyle: a lack of physical activity, or constant and prolonged sitting, can make it harder for your veins to pump blood back to the heart, causing it to settle and pool
• Pregnancy: being pregnant puts a great deal of stress on a woman’s body–the added weight, more blood needing to be circulated, and surging hormones–which can lead to venous insufficiency and varicose veins

If you fall under one of these high risk categories, or are already suffering from varicose veins, don’t despair.

 VeinSolutions offers a variety of effective and affordable (many are covered by insurance) treatment options that our team of board-certified vascular surgeons and vein specialists can recommend.

Sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation are both conveniently performed in our vein treatment centers on an outpatient basis, with the ability to return home, and often back to work, right away.

More stubborn varicose veins may require minimally invasive varicose vein surgery or varicose vein removal, but this procedure too features a relatively quick recovery time and return to normal activities.

The month of May is a great time to tend to your varicose veins as summer approaches. You’ll want your legs feeling and looking their best for the warmer weather, and we can help you with that!

Please visit us here to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists at VeinSolutions in Austin, or contact us at 512.452.VEIN (8346). For VeinSolutions in Georgetown, please contact us at 512-501-4287.

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