Millions of people worldwide are concerned about varicose veins. These enlarged, twisted veins often show up on the legs and more than an aesthetic problem. Can heavy, aching legs be caused by varicose veins? And if so, what makes them uncomfortable? Read this article to find out more.
Understanding Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted blood vessels that most commonly appear in the legs because they fail to function normally. This is usually due to damaged vein valves which prevent the backflow of blood, thus making it collect there. These may result from several factors such as genetics, age, pregnancy, excessive weight and prolonged sitting or standing.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
The symptoms of varicose veins can differ quite considerably between different sufferers. Some patients may have no symptoms at all while others may experience significant discomforts. Among the common signs are:
- Swelling in the legs
- Heaviness or aching in the legs
- Itching around the affected veins
- Cramping or throbbing in the legs
- Restless legs
- Discoloration around the veins
The Connection Between Varicose Veins and Heavy Aching Legs
Heavy aching legs is one of these typical symptoms associated with varicose veins. Several issues explain this discomfort:
- Poor Blood Circulation
If valves prevent a proper flow of blood within a leg’s vein walls it accumulates thereby causing increased pressure on them. This is what leads to feelings of heaviness as well as fatigue.
- Inflammation
Pooling blood can also lead to inflammation which causes pain in your legs as well as discomfort making them feel heavy and sore.
- Muscle Fatigue
Fatigues muscles can be brought about by varicose veins since they tend to affect muscles in our limbs especially those located on our feet hence feeling heavy and hurting.
- Nerve Irritation
Sometimes varicose veins can irritate the nerves around them thus causing pain or discomfort. This irritation helps cause leg-ache.
Risk Factors for Developing Varicose Veins
Understanding the risk factors associated with varicose veins can be helpful in preventing their occurrence and managing their symptoms. Some of these risks are:
- Genetics
A family history of varicose veins increases the likelihood of developing the condition. Having parents or grandparents with this ailment makes one more susceptible to it.
- Age
As we get older, our vein walls become less elastic which means that valves inside them tend to weaken. Hence, both varicose veins and all its related signs may appear.
- Gender
Women have higher chances of getting this disorder compared to men mainly because they experience hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation and menopause stages.
- Pregnancy
During pregnancy, blood volume increases while flow from legs down towards pelvis decreases leading to varicosities.
- Obesity
Additional weight puts additional strain on your blood vessels and thus increasing susceptibility to acquiring these bulging lines.
Standing up or Sitting down for a Long time
People who have occupations or lifestyle that requires them to stand or sit for long periods of time can find flow of blood hindered, which in turn aids in the development of varicose veins.
How Varicose Veins are Diagnosed
In case you suspect you suffer from varicose veins, it is important to see a doctor. Typically, a healthcare provider will perform an examination and possibly recommend tests such as:
Ultrasound
This test uses sound waves to see inside your body. Ultrasound scan could help detect any defect valves and show whether there is a problem with blood flow. This scan may be used by the health professionals for confirmatory diagnosis of varicose veins.
Venogram
Sometimes doctors may advise that you do venography. Contrast dye will therefore be put into your veins through injection so that x-rays can display their structure and how they work.
How to Deal With Varicose Veins
There are various treatments options available for dealing with varicose vein whose range goes from lifestyle changes to medical procedures depending on the severity of the condition and symptoms experienced.
Lifestyle Changes
Modifying some aspects of life could relieve some symptoms associated with enlarged veins called varicosities as well as reducing its worsening rate even among individuals at risk like those with;
- Regular exercises: Any activity that helps increase blood flow such as walking, swimming, cycling among others.
- Elevating legs: This means raising legs above normal height thereby reducing swelling in addition to increasing blood circulation in such areas.
Medical Procedures
Medical procedures may be needed when dealing with more advanced stages of pathophysiology associated with vascular diseases; these include:
a) Injection Sclerotherapy (IS)
Sclerotherapy entails injection of certain chemicals into venules bed causing their walls to stick together hence disappear with time; this method is mostly used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins.
b) Laser
Lasers can destroy these swollen blood vessels by delivering heat energy to them. The use of laser beams to treat varicose veins is a less invasive technique that does not require much recovery time.
c) Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radio frequency ablation has been used over the years as another invasive technique of managing this health condition with results being seen even in six months; after all it’s a short-lived procedure. This involves insertion of a small catheter that sends out radio waves through one or more wires into an affected blood vessel in order to seal it shut, thereby preventing further blood flow within the component vein.
d) Vein Stripping and Ligation
In very severe cases, where there are larger numbers of varicosities, health professionals may recommend vein stripping as well as ligation – two related surgeries that aim at improving circulation by removing or tying off diseased areas.
Preventing Varicose Veins
Although prevention of varicose veins may not be fully possible, some measures can minimize the risk of getting them. These include:
Controlling Weight
It helps reduce significance on the veins and reduces chances for suffering from such conditions like varicose veins once people keep weight under control.
Regular Workouts
Do some physical exercise regularly in order to increase the flow of blood and strengthen muscles which assist in pumping back oxygenated blood to vital organs including heart among others.
Avoid Standing up or Sitting down for Too Long
Having regular breaks for stretching oneself should help one prevent poor venous return or traceable cause afflictions like varices on lower limbs particularly if work requires you sitting continuously at a desk or standing throughout on your feet.
Use Compression Stockings
Those who are at high risks should put on compression stockings in order to support their legs’ veins and improve the flow of blood in this area as well.
Lift Your Legs
If you are laying down, try to raise your legs upwards so that more circulation can take place.
When to Visit a Doctor
Varicose veins being a usually harmless condition, there are some situations where medical attention is needed. Go see a doctor if you have
- Severe pain or swelling in the legs
- Skin changes or ulcers near the varicose veins
- Bleeding from the varicose veins.
- Signs of blood clot such as redness, warmth and tenderness in leg.
Conclusion
Rather than that, the heavy and throbbing legs could be caused by varicose veins characterized by various other symptoms. Consequently, it is important to understand its root causes as well as risk factors which can help in managing and preventing this condition. When varicose veins are causing discomfort, there are many ways to treat it either medically or through lifestyle changes leading to a less painful situation. If you have noticed any of these signs it is advisable for you to seek medical advice to ascertain what should be done depending on your individual circumstance. Taking steps proactively will enhance your leg health as well reducing how much impact they have on your life every day.