Varicose Veins (cont.)Medical Author:
Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD
Gary W. Cole, MD, FAADDr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency. Medical Author:
Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH
Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPHDr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management. Medical Editor:
Steven Doerr, MD
Steven Doerr, MDSteven Doerr, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Doerr received his undergraduate degree in Spanish from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He graduated with his Medical Degree from the University Of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado in 1998 and completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine from Denver Health Medical Center in Denver, Colorado in 2002, where he also served as Chief Resident. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MDMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. In this Article
Who gets varicose and spider veins?Varicose and spider veins can occur in men or women of any age, but most frequently affect women in the childbearing years and older people. Varicose veins are very common. Some estimates suggest that about 10% to 15% of men and most older women who have varicose or spider veins. A family history of varicose veins and older age increase one's tendency to develop varicose and spider veins. Other risk factors include:
What causes varicose and spider veins?The causes of varicose and spider veins are not entirely understood. In some instances, the absence or weakness of valves in the veins may cause poor venous circulation (blood flow in the veins) and lead to varicose veins. Valves inside veins normally act to ensure that blood in the veins does not flow in a backward direction (retrograde) away from the large (deep) veins and the heart. They are mainly located in perforating veins and some deep veins. In other cases, weaknesses in the vein walls may cause pooling of the blood. The walls of the blood vessels can become weaker and less competent than normal, causing the volume of blood in the veins to increase, thus leading to varicose veins. Less commonly, varicose veins are caused by such diseases as:
Venous disease (disease of the veins) is generally progressive and may not be prevented entirely. However, in some cases, wearing support hosiery, maintaining a normal weight, and regular exercise may be beneficial. Reviewed by Steven Doerr, MD on 10/3/2012 Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Varicose Veins - Treatments
Question: What treatments have been effective in treating or preventing varicose veins?
Varicose Veins - Surgery Experience
Question: Have you had a surgical procedure to treat your varicose veins? Please share your experience.
Varicose Veins - Symptoms
Question: Besides their appearance, what symptoms were associated with your varicose veins?
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