As women get older, one of the most common, but still embarrassing signs of aging is varicose veins. The Mayo Clinic describes them as “twisted, enlarged veins” that occur most often in the legs. Men can experience them, too, but it is a lot more rare.
According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, “varicose veins can occur in almost anyone and affect up to 35 percent of people in the United States.”
Women, especially those with more than one child, and obese people, have a higher risk of developing them.
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The intricate web of red or bluish veins just beneath the skin are often referred to as “spider veins.” They are more of a nuisance than a medical concern. But when varicose veins become really enlarged and/or cause pain and/or discomfort, they should be checked out by a doctor who will monitor you for complications like ulcers, blood clots and bleeding.
Symptoms to watch out for include bulging veins that are dark purple or blue in color, pain in your legs especially after sitting or standing for a long time, and itching or skin discoloration near the vein.
Why do they occur? Sometimes the valve in a vein will become weak or damaged causing blood to build up. For more serious cases of varicose veins, your doctor may suggest “a procedure to remove or close varicose veins, compression therapy, or medicines.”
• Regular exercise
• Avoid sitting or standing in one position for too long
• Avoid eating too much salt
• Cut back on how long you wear high heels or tight clothing