Varicose veins present themselves as twisted, swollen, and enlarged veins that peak through the skin. While they might be an unsightly addition to various parts of your body, they can also prove to be the cause of great discomfort to the 20 million Americans affected by them.
This condition most often manifests in the legs, causing pain, tenderness, itching, and sometimes discoloration.
While no one is immune to varicose veins, there are risk factors that can increase your chances of developing the condition. Some people have a genetic disposition toward developing varicose veins but others are caused by environmental factors.
Weight
Overweight or obese individuals are at a greater risk of developing varicose veins. Greater body weight exerts pressure on your veins and eventually compresses them; this strain on the walls and valves of your veins can result in the condition.
To counter the effects of weight-induced varicose veins, managing your weight is recommended as a preventative strategy.
Age
As you get older, your veins tend to weaken as well. Wear and tear can increase the risk of deteriorating vein walls and valves, leaving you with a host of chronic venous conditions.
Varicose veins most often affect between 11 million women and 22 men aged between 40–80 years.
Gender
The incidence of varicose veins can vary between men and women, with the latter being affected more often.
The leading cause for this is pregnancy; as the fetus grows in the uterus, it puts pressure on the abdominal veins. This strain on your enlarged veins leads to the pooling of blood in the legs. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can also be attributed to the increased occurrence of varicose veins in women.
The good news is, these symptoms will dissipate once the baby is born!
Inactivity
People who stand or sit for long periods of time may be at a greater risk of varicose veins. An inactive lifestyle can lead to greater pressure on the legs—especially if you can’t move around a lot or take a break to stretch your legs.
If you’re in New York and have noticed symptoms of varicose veins, seek treatment from some of the leading varicose veins specialists in the city. Here, at Varicose Veins Doctors, we offer a variety of treatment options—including sclerotherapy and laser ablation—that will help you diagnose, prevent, and manage varicose veins.
If you’re interested in getting treatment from some of the leading varicose veins specialists in NY, reach out to us at Varicose Veins Doctors. We offer a range of treatment options for varicose veins that include laser ablation and sclerotherapy.
To book a consultation, visit our website or call 212-906-9111!
