Have you ever wondered why some veins are more easily seen than others? Or why over time they raise enough to look like they are just underneath the skin? While veins carry out important functions that our bodies need for survival, it is possible for them to become twisted and tangled, or even enlarged. If this is something that has happened to you then you are said to have varicose veins. A less serious type of varicose veins is known as spider veins. Spider veins are just a mild form of varicose veins where the veins are not enlarged as much and are not as noticeable. When it comes to having spider or varicose veins, you should not be so worried unless you feel much discomfort where they are located. If you do not know much about varicose veins please read on to find out more about them, along with the causes and when you should consider seeing a doctor.

Any vein in your body has the ability become varicose. However, you may know that they are most commonly seen in legs and thighs. This is because all humans walk and stand on their own two feet. Standing upright causes an increased amount of pressure in your veins in your lower body. When there is more pressure exerted on these veins, it is more difficult for the blood to circulate back and forth from the heart. Problems with circulation can cause all sorts of dilemma within your veins. The most common problem is with poor circulation, which leads to varicose veins, and can cause the veins to tangle in all sorts of ways.

While your arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of your tissues, the veins work to return this blood back to the heart. It is a continuous circulating system which is constantly working to keep us alive. The circulation of blood works through our veins and is essential in order to give our organs, such as our heart and lungs, the oxygen it needs. While blood travels down through the legs, one’s muscles contract to help circulate the blood. This allows one’s veins to bring the blood back up to the heart, where it is ultimately needed. Remember that the blood going down the veins isn’t necessarily the problem. A problem can occur when circulating back up the heart. The veins have to carry the blood up the body which is against gravity. This is where many troubles tend to form. When there is a malfunction with the blood that is being carried back up to the heart, it causes the veins to become twisted or tangled. Unfortunately, varicose veins begin to occur.

Also, you may have noticed that varicose veins are usually found in older individuals. You do not normally see many six or ten year olds walking around with noticeable veins on the back of their legs. This is because as you age, your veins tend to stretch out. Because of the expansion, blood that is traveling back to the heart may start to flow back down towards your feet. Usually this happens because of a problem within the valves in your veins. When the valves do not function properly, pools of blood develop in the veins. Some doctors say issues with valves can be inherited problems. You may not have enough valves and others may have valves that do not work like they should. Other problems with the valves could be that weaknesses in the vein wall eventually lead to separated valves and they begin to leak. Troubles with the valves can be a reason for an individual’s veins to become enlarged over time. Once a vein is large enough you should be able to see it through the skin, and this is when it is considered a varicose vein.

There are a few reasons most individuals want to get rid of their varicose veins. For one, they do not like the look of it which is more of a cosmetic factor. Now a days, with the advancement in laser surgeries, it is possible to make these veins less noticeable. If the look of it in your major concern, then you can should find a doctor who will be able to help you with some sort of treatment. Second, in more serious cases, varicose veins can cause irritation and pain for individuals. Veins help transfer blood, which contains oxygen, to many of the main systems in your body. Therefore, having problems such as twisted or enlarged veins should never be taken lightly. Varicose veins in a serious case can lead to problems with your circulatory system. This is when you should speak to a doctor and find a solution to help these veins. The following symptoms are serious and demand medical attention:

• Excessive pain in one’s legs, ankles, or feet
• Sores on the surface of your skin
• If the vein bleeds when punctured
• Swelling in one’s legs, ankles, or feet

Varicose and spider veins are very common among many adults. As you can see there are many causes for these veins to pop up. If the presence of these veins is something that bothers you with pain or cosmetically, then talk to your doctor to see what options may be available. With surgeries and treatments that are available today, you should be able to find a solution that will help you be in less discomfort or give you the legs you use to have!