What Causes Varicose Veins?

Dr. Bruce FearonVaricose veins are a common and unattractive condition, but what causes them? It all boils down to weakened vein walls and valves. Normally, the valves in our veins ensure that blood flows toward the heart and does not accumulate or flow backwards. However, when these valves and walls become damaged, blood can start to collect and reflux, which can cause the veins to become enlarged and distorted.

Factors such as age, pregnancy, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to increased blood pressure in the veins, putting you at a higher risk of developing varicose veins. Additionally, if your family has a history of this condition, you may also be at greater risk. Understanding how the heart functions and how blood moves to and from it can help you maintain good health and prevent varicose veins.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are not simply a cosmetic issue, they can also cause a range of uncomfortable and painful symptoms. These symptoms can include bulging, bluish veins appearing on the legs, itching or burning discomfort around the veins, skin color changes around the veins, and swelling in the legs. People with varicose veins may also experience aching pain in their legs, a feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet, and even nighttime leg cramps.

While some individuals may not experience any symptoms at all, for others, these symptoms can significantly disrupt their daily lives. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor about possible treatments.

Varicose Vein Risk Factors

Varicose veins are a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Although some may consider it a cosmetic issue, it can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. To prevent the development of this condition, it is crucial to understand the risk factors associated with varicose veins.

Age

As we age, our body undergoes various changes, and one of them is aging of our veins. Due to the loss of elasticity in the walls and valves of veins, blood flow becomes harder, and veins become stiff. This results in the stretching of veins, causing them to become varicose.

Varicose veins can be seen as spidery veins that become more visible with age. The effect of gravity on veins makes them more susceptible to varicose veins, as the blood flow becomes two-way.

Sex

Varicose veins can develop in both men and women, 55% of American women may develop varicose veins in their lifetime. This is a surprising statistic, but there are several factors that increase a woman’s risk of developing this condition. These include pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, menopause, and taking birth control.

These changes in a woman’s body chemistry can cause the walls of the veins to stretch and weaken, leading to the formation of varicose veins. It is essential for women to be aware of these risk factors and take preventive measures or seek treatment if they develop varicose veins.

Family History

Varicose veins are significantly influenced by our genes. If you have a family member who has this condition, there is a higher possibility that you may develop it too. However, it is essential to understand that this is just one of the risk factors for varicose veins, and it may seem unfair.

While we cannot alter our DNA, we can take steps to prevent or minimize the effects of this condition. Being mindful of other factors such as weight, activity level, and standing for long periods can help us maintain healthy circulation and lower our risk of developing varicose veins.

Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for our physical well-being. However, it also plays a significant role in preventing varicose veins. Excess weight exerts pressure on our blood vessels, which can make it difficult for our circulatory system to function properly.

This pressure can cause veins to become stretched or twisted, resulting in unsightly and sometimes painful varicose veins. Fortunately, we can reduce our risk of developing varicose veins by taking steps to maintain a healthy weight. Doing so will keep our bodies functioning at their best for years to come.

Activity and Blood Flow

Maintaining good circulation is key to avoiding varicose veins, and that means staying active. Unfortunately, many jobs require us to stand or sit for long periods, making it difficult to maintain healthy blood flow. If that’s the case for you, it’s important to take frequent breaks to move around and stretch your legs.

It’s also important to be mindful of clothing that might restrict blood flow, such as tight waistbands or girdles. By being proactive about your circulation, you can reduce your risk for varicose veins and keep your legs looking and feeling healthy.

Preventing Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can cause discomfort, both physically and emotionally. Although genetics can play a role in their development, there are other measures you can take to prevent them.

One crucial factor is to promote blood circulation and tone your muscles. You can achieve this by engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and changing your sitting or standing positions frequently throughout the day. Avoiding high heels and tight hosiery can also be helpful. Additionally, when you are resting, try to elevate your legs to enhance circulation.

Remember, if you notice any signs of varicose veins, it is essential to consult a medical professional.

When To Talk To A Doctor

Varicose veins may not pose serious health risks, but they can still cause discomfort and affect your self-confidence. If you’re experiencing any concerns with your varicose veins, it’s essential to visit a healthcare provider that specializes in vein disease for an examination.

There are various treatment options available to alleviate the symptoms and improve the appearance of your veins. Whether you’re concerned about the way they look or they’re causing physical discomfort, your healthcare provider can recommend safe and minimally invasive treatments that can make a significant difference in your quality of life.

However, if you notice any concerning symptoms such as bleeding, discoloration, redness, warmth, or swelling, it’s vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Don’t let varicose veins hold you back from feeling and looking your best. A visit to a vein specialist can help you take control of your condition and improve your overall well-being.

Why Summer Is The Perfect Season For Vein Treatment

summer vein treatmentAs summer begins, now is the perfect time to get rid of spider veins and varicose veins. With the warm weather, it’s the opportune time to show off your legs without having to worry about unsightly veins. Summit Skin & Vein Care has vein specialists with the experience you need to treat your vein disease symptoms, delivering peace of mind, confidence and the chance to get a jump start on your summer tan! Not certain what the symptoms of vein diseases are and what to look for? Read on and give Summit Skin & Vein Care a call to discuss our cutting-edge treatment options available at our convenient Lee’s Summit office.

Varicose and Spider Veins Symptoms

Varicose veins, spider veins, and other venous diseases are common conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. They are caused by a variety of factors including age, heredity, pregnancy, weight gain or loss, and standing for long periods of time. These conditions can cause pain and discomfort as well as an unattractive appearance. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that appear most often on the legs and feet. They can be blue or dark purple in color and may bulge out from the skin’s surface. Spider veins are a milder form of varicose veins and usually appear as thin red or blue lines on the skin.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency Symptoms

Venous diseases such as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) can lead to more serious symptoms including swelling in your legs, discoloration of your skin near your ankles, leg ulcers, and stasis dermatitis (inflammation caused by poor circulation). CVI is caused when blood escapes from damaged veins into surrounding tissue instead of being pumped back to your heart like it should be. If you experience any of these symptoms it is important to seek medical advice from a qualified vein specialist as soon as possible so that treatment options can be discussed with you.

Kansas City Vein Specialists

Summit Skin & Vein Care is based in Lees Summit, Kansas and specializes in spider vein treatment, and varicose vein treatment. We are also the top provider for all venous disease treatments in the Midwest. We offer a wide range of services including Sclerotherapy (injection therapy), Laser Vein Therapy–Nd:YAG™, and Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) Treatment, and Endovenous Chemical Ablation (EVCA) Treatment. Each procedure is tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs.

At Summit Skin & Vein Care, we offer comprehensive care for all types of vein diseases from diagnosis to treatment. Their team of experienced professionals will work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your needs and goals. If you’re looking for relief from spider veins or varicose veins this summer, then Summit Skin & Vein Care should be your first choice! With our expertise in vein care treatments and our commitment to providing excellent patient care, we’ll make sure you get the best results possible. So don’t wait any longer – contact them today for your FREE vein screening.

4 Reasons Why Winter Is The Best Season For Vein Treatments

the best season for vein treatments with someone walking away in bootsIt’s officially winter! Right now it is easier to hide unsightly veins under layers of clothes, but there are many reasons that it ‘tis the season for getting a leg up this summer with a vein treatment from Summit Skin and Vein Care.

Common Vein Conditions

Varicose veins and spider veins are among the most common vein conditions. The symptoms of these types of conditions do not come and go with the seasons, but instead, pose year-round pain and embarrassment that results in reduced self-confidence.

Varicose veins can appear as large, bulging veins under the skin’s surface, and can be linked to more concerning circulation issues. Varicose veins can be the result of dysfunctional valves that cause blood to flow backward and collect in the veins, making them enlarged.

Spider veins are very small veins that appear as a red, purple, or blue web of veins that are just below the surface of the skin, and can be a sign of underlying vein disease.

Why Should You Get Your Vein Treatment this Winter?

No matter the vein condition, colder temperatures can constrict veins and even possibly lessen swelling and pain symptoms. However, a reduction in pain is only temporary. Getting a vein treatment will have a long-lasting impact on removing discomfort permanently.
Here are four reasons why winter is the best season for vein treatment:

1. Recover “undercover” before you shed those layers in the summer

A vein procedure can involve some recovery time. In the winter you have the luxury of several months before you reveal your vein-free legs.

2. Conceal any needed wardrobe changes underneath long pants

If you have to wear compression stockings to speed up healing, no one will know! Let’s face it – not many can pull off a fashion statement like compression stockings and shorts – and if you have your treatment in the winter, you won’t have to even worry about it.

3. Hide side effects

Some treatments can produce mild bruising, redness, or swelling. In the winter you can more easily hide these side effects.

4. Allows for avoiding the sun

Vein treatment can sometimes cause temporary skin discoloration. By getting treatment in the winter, you can avoid any potential embarrassment from skin discoloration.

Vein Treatments in Lee’s Summit

To learn more about Summit Skin and Vein’s vein treatments and get a jump on permanent solutions this winter, schedule a consultation with Summit Skin and Vein Care. We will work with you to find the best treatment options for your specific needs. With effective treatments this winter you will be bare-ing your legs this summer with newfound confidence.

For the best treatment for veins, seek help from your local vein specialist. Contact us today to set up a FREE color duplex ultrasound scan! Our specialists will be happy to discuss your vein treatment options with you.

Knowing and Recognizing the Different Types of Vein Disease

vein disease header image - a photograph of a leg

Most people don’t think about their veins until something goes wrong. Vein disease is a common problem, but it can often be treated successfully if it’s caught early. Let’s discuss the different types of vein disease and how to identify them. We will also talk about the symptoms of vein disease and the treatment options available. If you think you may have vein disease, make an appointment with Summit Skin and Vein Care today.

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3 Benefits of Sclerotherapy

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Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that is used to treat spider veins. Spider veins are enlarged, twisted veins that can be seen just below the surface of the skin. They often look like cords and can be blue, purple, or red in color. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosing agent into the vein. This sclerosing agent causes the vein to collapse and disappear. In this blog post, we will discuss the top three benefits of sclerotherapy.
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Varicose Veins and Summer: 3 Ways You Can Beat the Heat

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The summer sun is shining and the temperatures are rising! For many people, this is a time of fun in the sun and relaxation. But for those who suffer from varicose veins, summer can be a time of increased discomfort and embarrassment. Varicose veins are enlarged veins that often become visible just underneath the skin. They can be itchy and sore, and they can make you feel self-conscious when you’re wearing shorts or a swimsuit. Here are three ways that you can beat the heat and minimize the appearance of your varicose veins during the summer months.
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3 Ways to Manage Varicose Veins as an Athlete

 ways to manage varicose veins as an athlete
Varicose veins are a common problem for athletes. The constant pressure on the veins caused by running and jumping can lead to varicose veins in the legs. If left untreated, varicose veins can cause pain and swelling in the legs. Let’s look at three ways that athletes can manage varicose veins with an active lifestyle.
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7 Tips for Pregnant Women with Varicose Veins

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Pregnant women are often faced with a number of new challenges, and varicose veins can be one of them. Varicose veins can be caused by weight gain, constricted blood flow, and other pregnancy-related factors. If you’re pregnant and have varicose veins, don’t worry – we have some tips for you! In this blog post, we will discuss how to help manage them.

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Vitamins and Supplements that Support Vein Health

Varicose veins are a common and well-known symptom of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and other venous diseases. However, there are other, less well-known symptoms of varicose veins that can trouble you before they become visible. These symptoms include restless leg syndrome, leg cramps, rashes, and skin discoloration. 

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What to Do if You Develop Varicose Veins While Pregnant

Pregnancy is a time of great joy for many women, but it can come with a few drawbacks. One negative side effect of pregnancy: varicose veins. Varicose veins are a common undesirable result of pregnancy, and they are not fun to deal with. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with varicose veins for the rest of your life—there are ways to treat them. You can get back to enjoying your life without worrying about these troublesome veins or dealing with the pain, unsightliness, and discomfort that comes with them. 

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