Just like those with brown skin discoloration in the calves and feet, for people who have bulging varicose veins popping out on their legs the thought of wearing shorts in the summertime is mortifying. You look for ways to hide them and intentionally avoid going places like the beach where people might see them. People with bulging veins are embarrassed by the abnormal way their legs look and want to hide them. They want to know why the varicose veins are there and, more than anything, if something can be done to improve the way their legs look.
The Cause of Varicose Veins
Veins that bulge out from beneath the skin surface of the leg are known as varicose veins. Some may think that these veins appearing on the legs, especially as people get older, are a normal part of the aging process. Varicose veins, while very common, are not normal for people of any age.
These veins are bulging out because they are pressing against the skin surface of the leg. They do that because of blood that is pooling in the lower legs. This pooling puts pressure against the walls of the veins, causing them to expand. The blood sits there under pressure much like blowing air into a balloon. When you blow up a balloon, it slowly gets bigger and bigger as more air causes pressure against the balloon forcing it to expand. The same thing happens with varicose veins.
Varicose Veins are the Result of Vein Reflux
Varicose veins are the result of vein reflux. In a normal vein, there are valves that prevent blood from backflowing as it is pumped against gravity back to the heart. With vein reflux, the valves weaken and are no longer able to stop the backflow of blood. It begins to pool under pressure. Over time, blood accumulates and presses against the vein wall. Eventually, they expand to the point that they push against the skin surface. These raised veins, varicose veins, are seen twisting along the thighs, calves, shins, ankles, or feet.
Will Varicose Veins Worsen?
Vein reflux will not improve on its own. Without treatment, it will worsen steadily each year. A vein condition is progressive, meaning you are guaranteed to have more and more veins pop out, and the ones that are currently bulging will only become larger. The only effective solution is vein treatment.
Can Bulging Varicose Veins Be Treated?
Varicose veins are easy to treat with a variety of techniques. To see before and after photos of actual patients I’ve treated, you're invited to look through our photo gallery.
Additional Signs that a Vein Condition is the Cause of Varicose Veins
While varicose veins indicate a vein condition, additional symptoms are almost always present. It’s not uncommon for these additional symptoms to be ignored or considered separate issues. For example, many people who have varicose veins typically also experience fatigue, sleeplessness, restless leg syndrome, aching or tired legs, and leg cramps. Interestingly, these invisible symptoms are often present without any visible varicose veins at all. Many fail to connect those symptoms with the presence of a vein condition, yet all of these symptoms go away with treatment. Many of them on the first night after treatment.
