Venous diseases are extremely common. About half of all Americans suffer from some form of venous disease during the course of their lifetime. Of all venous issues, spider veins and varicose veins are the most prevalent.
Sometimes, people ignore their venous disease, but being proactive can prevent some serious issues from arising in the future. Let’s examine some of the most common causes of venous disease to understand why this is so important.
1. Genetics
We all inherit traits from our parents. Many of them are good…and a few of them may be something we don’t want. If your mom or dad had venous disease, there’s about a 50% chance you may develop it, too. If both of your parents had it, there’s about a 90% chance that you will, too. The genetic factor is why this occurs in both men as well as women.
2. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, there are three factors that increase the risk of developing varicose veins and spider veins:
- An increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone to support the pregnancy also makes veins stretchier.
- An increase in the overall amount of blood to support both mom and baby also can stretch leg veins out.
- The growing baby in the pelvis can block the outflow of blood coming from leg veins; such increased pressure also leads to stretched-out leg veins.
3. Work Environment
The type of work we do can determine if vein disease worsens over time. For example, professions that require prolonged standing such as teaching, hair stylists, retail sales, etc. all involve standing on your legs all day.
With standing, gravity increases the tendency for blood to pool within leg veins. Over time, such pooling increases venous pressure and can lead to varicose veins and spider veins.
Many Causes with One Result
No matter the cause of vein disease, typical symptoms include the feeling of leg heaviness, fatigue, cramping, swelling and ache. Many patients aren’t aware that chronic “restless leg syndrome” may be caused by vein disease, too!
You need to understand that you don’t have to live with venous disease. Treating it is in your best interest.
To learn more about the state-of-the-art treatments for varicose veins and spider veins, contact Rosen Vein Care today! We serve the Chicago area, and its suburbs and we will work with you to form an effective treatment plan to help your legs feel and look better than they have in years!
