Cause of Varicose Veins - Risk Factors and Causes

Do you wish to find out what is the cause of varicose veins? What triggers this ailment?

Leaflet valves at intervals enable the blood to be returned from the lower legs to the heart and lungs. They work by closing once the blood has passed through them, preventing it from returning to the ankles before it has had the chance to pass through the lungs to be filtered and oxygenized.

Leg muscles actually pump the blood up the veins in their efforts, doing so against gravity. When veins become varicose, the leaflet valve flaps do not meet properly any longer, allowing blood to slip backwards. While the two processes - blood being pumped up and blood being allowed to slip back down the veins, are taking place, the veins expand and enlarge, and their walls weaken, break down and become spidery or gnarled.

What is the cause of varicose veins mostly taking place in superficial veins?

Varicose veins break down most commonly in the superficial veins for a number of reasons, most involving pressure of some sort. When vein walls become weak, they lose elasticity, becoming more like overstretched rubber bands. For this reason, symptoms are fairly common among sufferers and include aching legs that seems to be worse at night when you are trying to relax, the appearance of spider veins, ankle swelling, skin discoloration, redness, dryness or itchy areas of the leg (where wastes are building up), as well as cramps when standing or making sudden moves.

In learning about the cause of varicose veins, it is interesting to note that varicose veins are most common in women, probably because they go through more natural hormonal changes throughout their lives. Varicose veins have also been proven to run in families.

What is the cause of varicose veins?

Age and pregnancy are the leading causes of varicose veins, but other related factors include obesity, menopause, leg injury, prolonged standing, and abdominal straining. With increased pressure on the legs, damage can take place within just a few months, such as during pregnancy. This is particularly true because, during this time, the vein walls relax to allow for the greater blood flow necessary for pregnancy.

Obesity puts an unusual strain on the legs, as does standing in the same place for long periods of time or sitting for prolonged periods. These factors can thus be a cause of varicose veins.

Besides the unsightly cosmetic issues, varicose veins are painful, especially when the sufferer must remain stationary. Because the vein walls weaken, they are not able to deliver to the legs what is needed nutritionally or the oxygen required, and the legs will itch without relief. In turn, the sufferer scratches, which can lead to ulcers.

There are other possible issues when we discuss the cause of varicose veins.

Sometimes, varicose veins can be caused due to a post phlebitis obstruction or malformation. Those who sit a long time with their job or lifestyle can develop blood clots due to the pressure caused by their lack of leg movement.

Because varicose veins can cause restricted blood flow, sitting in a hot tub can stimulate the flow in the legs. Also, bathing the legs in white oak bark herb tea several times a day will work in much the same way, though the herb adds much more to the health and care of the body. Compresses can be made by soaking a cloth in the strong tea and then laying it on the affected areas.

Having read about the possible cause of varicose veins, you can learn more about this ailment by reading the other related varicose veins articles and pages on this website.

Read More: More on Varicose Veins | Natural Health Remedies for Various Ailments and Conditions | Home Page | Site Search

Click here for natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for varicose veins.

Click here for more pages and articles on Varicose Veins.

	Get Quality Natural Health Supplements at Reasonable Prices. $5 or $10 discount for new customers
Get natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for hundreds of health conditions and ailments. GO.

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read. Leave a comment in the box below.

Some Related Varicose Veins Pages

Cause of Varicose Veins - Risk Factors and Causes

Natural Remedies for Varicose Veins - Home Treatment

Varicose Veins During Pregnancy - Causes and Remedies

Testicular Varicose Veins - Facts, Causes, Effects, Treatments

Varicose Veins Symptoms and Signs

Get Rid of Varicose Veins - Treatments and Remedies to Consider

The Varicose Veins Pregnancy Connection - Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Treatments

Varicose Veins in Legs - Signs, Causes, Prevention, Treatment

Natural Varicose Veins Treatments - Home Remedies for Relief

Varicose Vein Pain Relief - Natural Treatments and Home Remedies

About Vaginal Varicose Veins