They seem to come out of nowhere and can often cause very uncomfortable pain. Varicose veins arise from several factors, ranging from genetics to bad habits. When they start to appear, it is possible to feel itching and tenderness in the affected region.
Varicose veins consist of deep or superficial veins, which become deformed and dilated in the legs after the accumulation of blood supply in the region. People who need to stand for a long time are the most affected by the complication.
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Why does it happen?
The valves in the vein are responsible for moving blood towards the heart after irrigation of the lower limbs. When this mechanism fails, blood accumulates in the vein and causes it to dilate.
Although it is a problem known to affect the legs, varicose veins can occur in any region of the body. Women are the main ones affected by the problem.
Some of the causes for its appearance are genetic predisposition, presence of defective congenital valves and thrombophlebitis.
Other factors that can contribute to the appearance of varicose veins are:
- Women in periods of menstruation and pregnancy may be more susceptible to the worsening of the situation;
- Obese people are also more likely to be affected by varicose veins, due to the change in blood volume in the veins;
- Elderly: with age, a common process of degeneration of blood vessels can occur and cause varicose veins;
- Stand or sit for a long time with your legs hanging down.
Other factors
- Waxing with hot wax does not cause varicose veins, but it can aggravate the problem in those who already have it;
- Tight pants can compress too much and impair circulation;
- Wearing high heels contributes to the appearance of varicose veins. With calf strength being needed, blood cannot be pumped upward;
- Long journeys can cause varicose veins, so it is necessary to get up and walk a little bit, hourly.
Symptoms
The main signs that varicose veins may present are: feeling of heaviness in the legs, tingling, itching and tenderness in the region, in addition to cramps and burning. In more acute cases, scaly lesions, edema in the feet, ulcers, dark spots on the legs and feet may appear. These annoyances are more common in places with high temperatures.
Careful
You have to be careful. When a vein is injured, there may be heavy bleeding. The place should be compressed with a towel until the liquid output decreases and the situation is under control. Then, the area should be washed with soap and water; a dressing should be done.
Varicose veins contribute to the onset of phlebitis, so it is important that they are treated to avoid complications. The doctor should be consulted as soon as the first signs of varicose veins appear.
