Overview
What are veins and what is their function?
Veins are blood vessels that return blood from all the organs in the body toward the heart. When the different organs use oxygen from the blood to perform their functions, they release the used blood containing waste products (such as carbon dioxide) into the veins. Blood in the veins is then transported to the heart and returned to the lungs, where the waste carbon dioxide is released and more oxygen is loaded by the blood and taken back to the rest of the body by the arteries.
Veins also act as a storage for unused blood. When the body is at rest, only a portion of the available blood in the body circulates. The rest of the blood remains inactive in the veins and enters the active circulation when the body becomes more active and needs the additional blood to carry oxygen to entire body. This storing capacity is due to the elasticity (flexibility to expand) of the walls of the veins.
Veins have different sizes depending their location and their function. The largest veins are in the center of the body; these collect the blood from all the other smaller veins and channel it into the heart. The branches of these large veins get smaller and smaller as they move away from the center of the body. The veins closer to the skin surface are called superficial veins. The veins that are deeper and closer to the center of the body are called deep veins. There are also other veins that connect the superficial veins to the deep ones which are called the perforating veins.
What are varicose veins and spider veins?
Veins can bulge with pools of blood when they fail to circulate the blood properly. These visible and bulging veins, called varicose veins, are more common in the legs and thighs, but can develop anywhere in the body.
Large varicose veins can be visible, bulging, palpable (can be felt by touching), long, and dilated (greater than 4 millimeters in diameter).
Small "spider veins" also can appear on the skin's surface. These may look like short, fine lines, "starburst" clusters, or a web-like maze. They are typically not palpable. Spider veins are most common in the thighs, ankles, and feet. They may also appear on the face. The medical term for them spider veins is telangiectasias.
Who gets varicose and spider veins?
Varicose and spider veins can occur in men or women of any age, but most frequently affect women in the childbearing years and older people. Varicose veins are very common. Some estimates suggest that about 10%-15% of men and 20%-25% of women suffer from varicose veins.
A family history of varicose veins and older age increase one's tendency to develop varicose and spider veins.
Other risk factors include: -
- a sedentary lifestyle
- weight gain
- prolonged standing
- pregnancy
What are varicose vein symptoms?
Many people with varicose veins do not have any physical symptoms. They may, however, have concerns over the cosmetic appearance of the varicose veins.
Some of the common symptoms of varicose vein include: -
- aching
- cramping
- itching
- swelling
- fatigue
Some less common but more severe symptoms of varicose veins may include bleeding, thrombophlebitis (formation of blood clot within the varicose vein), and ulceration of the skin overlying the veins. These complications of varicose veins need to be evaluated by a doctor promptly.
How are varicose veins evaluated (diagnosed)?
Evaluation of varicose veins includes a thorough general physical examination by a doctor. This will include asking about family history of varicose veins, duration, presence of any symptoms, and any worsening or expansion of the varicose veins. The individual's height, weight, and other medical conditions need to be noted as well.
In addition, general inspection and palpation (feeling the veins) as well evaluation for any bleeding or ulcers are typically performed.
Standing up for about 5 to 10 minutes can make the veins more visible, and this may further aid the doctor in assessing the extent of the varicose veins.
What is sclerotherapy?
"Sclerotherapy" uses a fine needle to inject a solution directly into the vein. This solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing the vein to swell and the blood to clot. The vein turns into scar tissue that may eventually fade from view. Sclerotherapy is typically used for spider veins and varicose veins that are less than 6 millimeters in length. This is generally offered to patients who have tried compression stockings and leg elevation without much success.
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