Home Remedies Area

Varicose veins are veins that are enlarged and/or swollen. They are more obvious because they bulge from under the skin and are most commonly found in the legs. Swollen varicose veins are sometimes referred to as varicosities. They are most likely to be contorted or twisted in addition to being swollen rather than straight like normal veins should be. The veins that are superficial, or occur right under the skin, are most vulnerable to becoming varicose veins. Deep veins that are found deep within the muscles are not as likely to become varicose. It is possible for deep veins to become varicose veins, however. Many times swollen varicose veins will be found on the back of the legs or thighs and will frequently be surrounded by spider veins that may vary in appearance from pink to red. 

Besides swollen varicose veins there are also venous lakes. There are varicose veins that have collections of blood within the vein. Venous lakes are most commonly found on the face and/or neck. Reticular veins are other types of varicose veins that are generally blue and flat and found behind the knee. Telangiectasia is yet another type and these are clusters of red colored veins that appear similar to spider veins. They are more likely to occur in the face or in the upper body.

Blood is circulated through the body through blood vessels and arteries. Blood is carried from the legs back up to the heart through a series of muscle contractions that help the blood flow up. As people age the elasticity in the vein reduces and blood flow is more difficult. When the veins are no longer able to function as designed blood may pool in the veins and cause varicose veins. Or, if the veins are damaged or the valves fail to work properly then swollen varicose veins may result. 

Gravity works against the veins in the leg and when a person ages and the veins are no longer as elastic this makes it even more difficult for them to work properly. With the valves being responsible for moving the blood along in the right direction. When there is a failure for the veins to function properly then the veins may have pools of blood and they become swollen and varicose as a result. Valves in the veins may be damaged by many different causes including genetics, blood clots, age, family history, hormones, deep vein thrombosis, pregnancy, prolonged sitting or standing, being overweight and many others.

Approximately half of people over age 50 suffer from some form of varicose veins. Women are affected more frequently than men, however men do suffer from varicose veins. Varicose veins are most common in the veins of the leg, but they may occur as hemorrhoids or in other areas of the body.