Veins are the blood vessels that carry blood from the body back to the heart. They contain one-way valves that keep blood flowing toward the heart. Veins can swell, causing aching, itching and open sores when the valves do not work right. These swollen veins are called varicose veins. Varicose veins occur in both sexes but are more common in women. Heredity and acquired stresses cause the veins to weaken and bulge.

The legs, feet, and pelvic area are most often affected. The legs are highly susceptible to forming varicose veins because these veins carry blood the greatest distance to return the blood to the heart. The most common sites of varicose veins are on the back of the calf and the inside of the leg. Usually they present only a visual problem, but severe cases may lead to pain, skin ulcers, and blood clots.

Symptoms usually appear before age 40 and include:

• prominent and blue appearance of veins in the legs

• swelling of the feet and ankles

• muscle cramps and aching

• leg muscles that tire easily

• soreness behind the knee and

• persistent itching of the skin around the enlarged veins

In addition to heredity, factors contributing to the development of varicose veins include excess weight, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, pressure on pelvic veins when pregnant, and long periods of standing.

The following tips will help reduce symptoms from varicose veins:

• exercise regularly

• avoid prolonged standing or sitting in one position

• do not cross the legs while seated

• avoid wearing girdles, control-top pantyhose, or garters

• lose excess weight and

• elevate your legs higher than your heart when possible

Treatment for Varicose Veins includes:

• support stockings or compression bandages to assist moving the blood to the heart

• injection of chemicals into the veins or

• surgery to remove larger veins causing pain or ulceration

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