What is Varicose Veins?
First off all, varicose veins should not be confused with spider veins which are usually smaller than varicose veins and are blue or red colored. Spider veins resemble little spider webs, hence the name, and are also more likely to develop on your face or hands and reside closer to the skin. Varicose veins are those unattractive, distended, bulging blue veins that can be very painful that are typically found in a person's legs.
The unsightly vein protrusions you can see on your legs are called varicose veins. Even the shapeliest legs are often ruined by the appearance of these greenish or bluish bulges. Aside from hairs, the development of varicose veins is one of the leading leg cosmetic problems that many women all over the world face today. Although women are more affected by these hideous veins, men are not spared from getting this vein problem.
Varicose Veins Defined
Basically, varicose veins are swollen blood vessels that are located just beneath the surface of the skin. Such veins usually bulge because they are either damaged or are filled with too much blood. Vein problems develop due to poor quality of the vein walls or malfunction in the valves of the veins. Although you can have such problems in other parts of the body, varicose woes usually arise in the legs.
Studies show that almost half of the cases of varicose veins may be due to heredity. Experts have confirmed that people who have relatives or family members with varicose veins are susceptible to developing such conditions because problems in the walls of the veins and valves may be inherited.
Although men can also have varicose vein problems, you will find these bulging veins more prominent in women. One of the reasons behind the large number of women having varicose veins is that added weight during pregnancy can cause blood circulation problems in the legs, which may lead to damages in the blood vessels. Other factors that may contribute to the development of swollen veins include blood pressure troubles, having a job that requires you to stand or sit for prolonged periods, and wearing of very tight knee socks or stockings.
With regard to varicose veins, an ounce of prevention is definitely a lot better than cure, especially because once these swollen veins appear, they are quite difficult to cover up and treat.