Common Causes of Varicose Veins
Veins return deoxygenated blood cells to the heart for refilling. Leg veins, in particular, have a long way to take that blood back up to the heart. And unlike the arteries, they do not typically get the full force of a heartbeat pushing the blood through. Instead, they rely on a set of valves and the movement of leg muscles.
As the blood reaches the next section of the vein upward, it closes the valve behind so the blood can not go back down (in the wrong direction).
However, these valves can stop closing fully and leak. In these situations, the blood goes back down, putting extra pressure on the vein section below. This causes the vein’s walls to buckle under the pressure, which results in expanding and twisting.
Why Does This Happen?
Age, having (or taking) female hormones, and family history are certainly factors. In other words, some people will probably get varicose veins no matter what. However, there are some causes that do present opportunities to control and slow the severity and progression. These include:
- Sitting or standing for long periods (around four hours)
- Wearing tight clothing around the mid-section (e.g., waist trainers, girdles, shapers, etc.)
- Using tobacco products
- Carrying excess weight
- Declining health
Varicose Vein Treatments
Once a vein becomes varicose, it may be eliminated. However, the good news is that the vascular system makes new veins and re-routes itself when needed.
Most veins respond well to the injection of a sclerosant into the vein. This painless vein treatment causes the vein to close off, and the body will reabsorb that tissue. In some cases, you may need the cauterization technique. This sounds scary, but it’s also painless with local numbing. Veins rarely need surgical removal.
Explore Vein Treatment Options with Dr. Jensen
If you are interested in seeking treatment for varicose veins, contact our office. Dr. Joseph Jensen at Elevation Aesthetics in Layton, UT, can perform a full vein evaluation and design a treatment plan to suit your needs. Schedule an appointment today by calling 385-424-4567 to see if this treatment is right for you.