7 Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, gnarled veins, and this condition typically affects the veins in the feet and legs. However, varicose veins may appear on any part of the body. The reason they are most commonly found in the legs and feet is that walking upright and standing increases vein pressure in the lower body.Arteries transport blood from the heart to organs and tissues, and veins return this blood to the heart for recirculation. Therefore, veins in the legs are constantly working against gravity. If varicose veins are present, proper circulation is impeded.The risk of developing varicose veins increases as a person grows older. This is because as one ages, the valves in his or her veins are subject to natural wear and tear. Eventually, these valves permit some blood to escape and flow back into the vein where it coagulates instead of returning to the heart.

1. Swollen Blood Vessels

Those suffering from varicose veins almost always have swollen blood vessels. The term "blood vessels" refers to the arteries and veins that circulate blood throughout the body. Unfortunately, swollen vessels amay be painful or eventually develop weak spots from continuous pressure. However, this does not happen in all cases and typically takes place over a long period of time.Because veins and arteries are meant to work together in an efficient manner, whenever blood coagulates and venous valves fail to function appropriately, all the body's vessels may swell to a degree. This is because anything that blocks or hinders proper blood flow makes all vessels work harder than they would normally have to in order to ensure blood reaches every organ and tissue and supplies those areas with oxygen and nutrients.Next