What is the outlook for people with varicose veins? Usually, varicose veins aren't dangerous and don't cause long-term health problems. Most people with the condition are concerned with the way varicose veins look. They may experience discomfort but don't develop complications.
About 1 in 3 adults have varicose veins, which is a common cause of prominent veins. But sometimes bulging veins can be a sign of a serious health problem, like a blood clot. So it's always a good idea to call your healthcare provider if you notice any new bulging veins or changes to ones you've had.
The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through. If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be swollen and enlarged (varicose).
As with many other symptoms of poor circulation, twisted, bulging blue varicose veins tend to appear on your legs and ankles.
Walking, biking and swimming are all great low-impact exercises that are easy on the joints and help circulation in varicose veins.
Massage therapy is not recommended to patients with advanced-stage vein disease, in which big and bulging veins, ulcerations, and discoloration are present. Massaging the area can cause the already weakened veins to burst, worsening the condition.
Visible veins can be caused by any number of factors, including high blood pressure, age, genetics, and a sedentary lifestyle. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available if you have concerns about your varicose or spider veins.
Enlarged, varicose veins can bulge out as a result of blood pooling in the vein. This happens when the one-way valves inside the veins are damaged and/or weakened from age. Instead of keeping blood flowing against gravity towards the heart, vein valves let blood leak back down into the hand.
The Quick Answer
No, varicose veins don't go away on their own, but there are many things you can do to make them less noticeable without a lot of makeup. If you have stopped wearing shorts in the summer or avoid showing your legs at all, this is good news.
If left untreated, spontaneous bleeding from varicose veins can lead to serious health complications, such as anemia and blood clots. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help to improve the condition of the veins and reduce the risk of spontaneous bleeding.
"They can be very small to start with, but over time they can grow larger and larger — to the point that you see them underneath your skin." Speaking of seeing them, they look like dark blue or purple veins that are often twisted and bulging from your skin.
Dark-colored or blue veins are normal and healthy, although it can be a bit strange seeing sudden prominent blue veins pop up on your skin. Veins can become more visible due to various reasons, including decreased body fat, aging, genetics, physical activity, pregnancy, sun exposure, and certain medical conditions.
As we get older, our skin thins, and we lose volume in our face and hands. This leads to our veins being more obvious. In addition, rising blood pressure can sometimes cause them to bulge. While normal, this process can result in unsightly hand veins.
Symptoms include leg pain, numbness, cold legs or feet and muscle pain in the thighs, calves or feet. The arteries which supply blood to the leg originate from the aorta and iliac vessels.
“In certain data sets, we have seen that varicose veins have been associated with heart disease but generally, one does not lead to the other since they're really separate systems,” explains Syed T. Ahsan, M.D., a vascular medicine specialist at Henry Ford Health.
Although varicose veins are not caused by heart disease, they do have potentially serious health consequences that you should know about.
Dehydration can cause blood vessels to constrict, which can cause the veins to appear more prominent.
Water is crucial in almost every bodily function, including vein health. In fact, sufficient water intake is one of the most simple and effective ways to keep your veins in good condition, especially if your veins are already prone to insufficiency. Water helps thin out your blood, so it flows more freely.
This improves circulation in the treated leg and reduces swelling. Spider veins usually disappear in 3 to 6 weeks. Varicose veins take 3 to 4 months. To get the best results, you may need 2 or 3 treatments.
Exercising regularly, losing weight, avoiding long periods of sitting and standing, and not wearing tight clothes can all help. In some cases, wearing compression stockings can be useful, too. These stockings steadily squeeze your legs. That helps the blood move more effectively through the veins.