Preventing varicose veins as we age
This article is from the McLaren Health Plan blog. Read more here.
Preventing varicose veins as we age
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted blood vessels that you can see through your skin. Usually, they form on the legs, ankles, or feet, but it’s possible for them to develop on other parts of your body.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins occur when the valves inside your veins become weak or damaged. Normally, blood in the veins can only flow one way: toward your heart. When the valves are damaged, blood can flow backward and collect in the vein. This increases pressure in the vein and allows it to bulge outward.
How Does Aging Raise Your Risk of Developing Varicose Veins?
Older people have a higher risk of developing varicose veins due to natural age-related changes in the veins. As you get older, your veins lose some of their elasticity, and your valves don’t work as well as they did when you were younger.
Tips to Avoid Varicose Veins
There are many steps seniors can take to keep their veins healthy. Here’s a look at how to prevent varicose veins.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A balanced, nutritious diet plays an important role in maintaining your health, including your blood flow. Choose foods that are low in sugar and salt, and high in fiber.
Get Regular Exercise
Staying physically active can help prevent varicose veins. Moderate exercise, such as walking, makes the muscles in your legs contract, which helps improve blood flow. If you’re not currently active, check in with your health care provider before starting an exercise routine.
Avoid Sitting or Standing Too Long
Long periods of sitting or standing may decrease blood flow in your legs and increase the risk of varicose veins. If you need to sit or stand all day at work, try to shift your weight or walk around throughout the day to keep your blood moving.
Elevate Your Legs
Raising your feet above the level of your heart encourages blood to flow back toward the heart, rather than pooling in the legs. When you’re resting, try propping your feet up on a pillow.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking can damage the lining of your veins and decrease blood flow. If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your health care provider.
Risk Factors for Varicose Veins
There are many factors that increase a person’s risk of developing varicose veins. Some factors are out of your control, while others can be changed.
Older Age
People of any age can develop varicose veins, but they’re more common in older adults. With age, the veins and valves may not work as well. The calf muscles also become weaker, which affects how well the blood flows back to your heart when you walk.
Being Female
Varicose veins are more common in women than in men. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause, or when you take hormone treatments, may relax the walls of the veins and increase the likelihood of varicose veins.
Inactive Lifestyle
Sitting or lying down for too long can contribute to varicose veins. That’s because being inactive decreases circulation and allows blood to pool in your legs. Veins work better when you’re physically active.
Family History
If members of your family have been diagnosed with a vein disease, such as varicose veins, you may be more likely to develop varicose veins. Research shows that more than half of women with varicose veins have at least one parent who also has the condition.
Weight
About four in 10 people ages 60 and older have obesity, which means they have a Body Mass Index of 30 or higher. Carrying extra weight can put more pressure on your veins, which increases the risk of developing varicose veins.
Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Veins
The signs and symptoms of varicose veins vary. For some people, varicose veins are a cosmetic concern, while for others, varicose veins can cause bothersome symptoms.
Bulging Veins
Varicose veins look swollen and twisted, and bulge underneath the skin. Often, the swollen veins are blue or purple, but they can sometimes be the same color as your skin. Bulging veins may be the only symptom of varicose veins.
Leg Fatigue
Some people with varicose veins notice that their legs feel very tired or heavy. The fatigue may get worse after prolonged sitting or standing, or after exercising.
Pain
Varicose veins may cause pain or discomfort. You might notice a burning discomfort around the veins themselves, or an aching pain in your legs. Some people experience leg cramps at night.
Swelling
People with varicose veins may notice their feet or legs are larger or feel full or tight. The swelling occurs because blood cannot flow back up to the heart, allowing fluids to build up in the legs.
Itching
Some people with varicose veins develop venous eczema, a skin condition that can leave the area around the affected veins dry, itchy, and flaky. The skin may crack or weep.
How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
Health care providers typically diagnose varicose veins with a physical exam. They look at the veins, and may also touch the veins while you’re sitting or standing. Sometimes, health care providers order tests, such as ultrasounds, to rule out other health problems.
What Is the Treatment for Varicose Veins?
If you develop varicose veins, rest assured that there are several options for varicose vein treatment.
Lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise or keeping your legs elevated, can be helpful. Health care providers may recommend wearing compression stockings to help blood move through your legs.
There are also surgical procedures for varicose veins. Doctors may inject the affected vein with a chemical solution, causing it to disappear. Or, they may surgically remove the damaged part of the vein.
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