My legs hurt! We’ve heard this before and can help you!!!
The causes of venous insufficiency and varicose veins largely depend on genetics, but age, significant time spent standing and your activity levels can affect your vein health as well.
Women are about two times more likely to suffer from varicose veins than men. In a healthy vein, valves keep the blood flowing upwards and back to your heart from the legs and arms. However, sometimes these valves become damaged, allowing small backflows of blood to become trapped in the veins. The result is a swollen and often painful, bulging vein that is typically seen in the legs. Rarely, varicose veins can develop after trauma.
Venous disease and varicose veins have a strong hereditary link. Often, many members of a family will have the condition, so ask your relatives if they have ever been treated. Other risks include:
Age – If you are 30 to 70, you are at an increased risk to develop varicose veins, with that risk increasing as you get older. The aging process will naturally diminish the elasticity of the vein wall, increasing the chances for blood to pool in a vein.
Gender – Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins, partially because of hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy, as well as the increase in blood volume while developing a fetus. In addition, certain hormones can relax vein walls, increasing the likelihood of blood flowing away from the heart.
Standing for Long Periods – Like many of us, we spend a lot of time on our feet, whether working, taking care of our families and our house, or just simply living day to day. Being on your feet for extended periods of time makes it harder for the blood to flow up against gravity and back to your heart.
Weight/Activity Level – Your weight and activity levels can play a role in developing varicose veins. Being overweight puts additional stress on your body and pressure on your veins. Staying active helps to maintain optimal circulation.