Vein Specialist Monmouth County NJ

Varicose veins are a common condition caused by weak or damaged vein walls and valves. Varicose veins may form whenever blood pressure increases inside your veins. This can happen because of pregnancy, constipation, a tumor, or overweight and obesity.

This health topic focuses primarily on varicose veins in the legs, but sometimes varicose veins form in other parts of the body. Hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein that develops in the rectum. Varicoceles occur in the testicles and may be linked to infertility in men. Varicose veins can also develop in the esophagus, stomach, or liver. Other vein problems that affect smaller blood vessels are telangiectasia and spider veins.

Veins have one-way valves inside them that open and close to keep blood flowing toward the heart. However, weakened or damaged valves or walls in the veins can cause blood to pool and even flow backwards. This is called reflux. The veins may grow larger and become distorted, resulting in varicose veins. Visit How the Heart Works to learn more about blood flow to and from the heart.

You may be at increased risk for varicose veins if you are older, sit or stand for long periods, have an inactive lifestyle, have overweight or obesity, or have a family history of varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis, a type of venous thromboembolism. Pregnancy and childbirth, especially multiple births, also increase a woman’s risk.

Signs and symptoms of varicose veins include bulging, bluish veins; swelling; aching pain; a feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet; itching; changes in skin color; and nighttime leg cramps. Sometimes varicose veins can limit your activities. Your symptoms may get worse when you sit or are on your feet for long periods, and they may get better when you lie down or put your feet up.

To diagnose varicose veins, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms, family history, activity levels, and lifestyle. Your doctor may assess the health of your leg veins using an ultrasound or other imaging tests, such as an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, a procedure to remove or close varicose veins, compression therapy, or medicines. The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, improve appearance, and prevent complications such as serious skin ulcers or sores, deep vein thrombosis, skin color changes, and bleeding. Bleeding from varicose veins is a medical emergency. Seek immediate help if this happens.