What Causes Varicose Veins and How Are They Treated?

If you’ve noticed twisted, enlarged veins on your legs, you aren’t alone. For many, they’re simply a cosmetic annoyance, but for others, they’re a source of leg discomfort, aches, and swelling. If you’re dealing with varicose veins in the legs, you’ve probably wondered where they come from. While this condition is often dismissed as a normal part of aging, it can also signal underlying issues with your circulation. Let’s take a look at how varicose veins develop, the risk factors to look out for, and the top treatments available at Cardiac Associates of North Jersey in Oakland and Fairfield, NJ.  

How Veins Work and What Causes Varicose Veins

In a healthy circulatory system, the arteries efficiently carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart out to the rest of your body. The veins then return the blood back to the heart. Moving against gravity, the veins have an uphill battle made possible by one-way valves inside your leg veins. When your leg muscles contract as you walk, they squeeze the veins and push blood upward. The valves open to let blood flow through and then snap shut to prevent it from flowing backward. If these valves stop working properly, varicose veins start to form.

What Happens When Valves Fail?

Varicose veins occur when these valves become weak or damaged. If a faulty vein valve doesn’t close properly, blood leaks backward and pools in the vein. Over time, this increased pressure causing the vein walls to stretch, twist, and bulge, resulting in the visible, rope-like appearance characteristic of varicose veins. Just one malfunctioning valve is often the start of chronic venous insufficiency.

Am I at Risk for Leg Vein Problems?

Anyone can develop varicose veins, but certain factors increase your likelihood. Some of these are within your control, while others are genetic. It’s helpful to know all these risk factors, whether they’re controllable or not:

• Family History—If your parents or grandparents had varicose veins, your chances of developing them are significantly higher.
• Age—As you get older, the valves in your veins naturally experience wear and tear. Eventually, that wear causes the valves to allow some blood to flow back into your veins where it collects instead of flowing up to your heart.
• Gender and Hormonal Changes—Women are more likely to develop the condition than men. Hormone treatments, such as birth control pills, may also increase the risk.
• Pregnancy—During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases to support the growing baby. This extra volume puts significant pressure on your veins.
• Prolonged Standing or Sitting—Being in one position for long periods restricts blood flow. Your muscles need to contract to help pump blood efficiently throughout the body.
• Obesity—Carrying extra weight puts added pressure on your veins.

Are There Symptoms Beyond Appearance?

It’s a common misconception that if varicose veins don’t hurt, they don’t need attention. However, symptoms can be subtle or progress slowly. In addition to the appearance of swollen leg veins, this condition might be accompanied by:

• An aching or heavy feeling in your legs
• Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping, and swelling in your lower legs
• Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
• Itching around one or more of your veins

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?

While varicose veins are not dangerous in themselves, they’re often a sign of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). If left untreated, CVI can lead to more serious complications. The high pressure in the veins can cause fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue, leading to persistent swelling. Over time, this can cause skin discoloration and hardening of the skin. In severe cases, patients might develop leg ulcers, blood clots, and sometimes, deep vein thrombosis. Even if your varicose veins don’t bother you, it’s a good idea to get them checked out by your doctor in Oakland or Fairfield.

What Are My Options for Varicose Vein Treatment?

The good news is that the board-certified, vein specialists at Cardiac Associates of North Jersey have several varicose vein treatments to help you find relief. They can recommend everything from home management techniques to minimally invasive vein treatment. Talk to your cardiovascular specialist about the following:

Conservative Management

For mild cases, doctors often recommend starting with non-invasive measures, including the following:

• Compression Stockings—These specialized socks squeeze your legs steadily, helping veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently.
• Exercise—You don’t need to spend hours at the gym! Simply taking a walk helps pump blood and improve circulation.
• Elevation—Something as easy as raising your legs above your heart several times a day can relieve pressure.

Minimally Invasive Vein Treatments

If conservative measures don’t provide relief, or if the veins are causing significant issues, medical intervention is the next step. Thankfully, most patients don’t require intensive surgery. These modern treatments are performed onsite in Oakland and Fairfield, NJ in an office setting and require minimal downtime:  

• Endovenous Laser Ablation—This is the gold standard for treating the underlying cause of varicose veins. A doctor inserts a thin catheter into the problematic vein using ultrasound guidance. Laser energy or radiofrequency heat is used to collapse and seal the vein shut. Once the diseased vein is closed, the body naturally reroutes blood flow to healthy veins.
• Sclerotherapy—Primarily used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins, this procedure involves injecting a solution directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and stick together. Over time, the vein turns into scar tissue and fades away.
• Microphlebectomy—This procedure involves making tiny skin punctures to remove the varicose veins. It’s often done in conjunction with ablation procedures to ensure both the underlying problem and the cosmetic appearance are addressed.

When to See a Vascular Specialist

You don’t need to wait until you are in severe pain to seek help. If your veins are causing you self-consciousness or physical discomfort, it is worth scheduling a consultation with a cardiovascular specialist. The expert team at Cardiac Associates of North Jersey is here to help. We’ll evaluate your condition, look for signs of deeper issues, and recommend a treatment plan. Contact our team serving Oakland, NJ, Fairfield, NJ, and the surrounding areas today. Same-day or next-day appointments are available.