Varicose veins typically take years to develop. The condition is often inherited and women are four times more likely to develop varicose veins than men. As people age, varicose veins tend to worsen as veins lose their natural elasticity which can cause blood vessels to enlarge. Obesity also puts greater pressure on vein valves that can lead to weakening, and changes in hormone levels such as from pregnancy, menopause, and birth control pills may contribute to the development of varicose veins.
Varicose veins that cause discomfort result from faulty valves in the veins. Because veins have stop valves that are supposed to prevent blood from flowing backwards, if the valves don’t work properly, blood pools in the vein, causing the vein walls to bulge. As the blood overfills the veins under the skin and the veins stretch, they become visible on the surface. Over time, these superficial veins continue to weaken and can become dilated and twisted.
With advanced treatment options, laser energy can be used to close the faulty vein, so the blood is diverted to the many normal veins in the leg, and the problem is eliminated.
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