Varicose veins are the blue or purplish enlarged veins you typically see bulging out of a person's leg. They affect approximately 15 percent of men and 25 percent of women. They can form anywhere on the legs, from the groin to the ankle, but appear most often on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the legs.
Similar to varicose veins, spider veins are smaller and closer to the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are caused by faulty valves and weakened walls within the veins. Normally, these one-directional valves keep the blood flowing efficiently against gravity up toward the heart. But when these valves fail to function properly, the blood pools, pressure builds up, and the veins become weak, enlarged and twisted. Some people may be more likely than others to develop varicose or spider veins due to genetics, old age or hormonal changes. Varicose veins may also result from conditions that increase pressure on the leg veins, for example being overweight, pregnant, or doing jobs that require prolonged standing.
There are a variety of treatment methods for varicose veins. They range from injection sclerotherapy or laser treatments. A consultation with Dr. Harley will help you determine which treatment is best for you. We encourage you to visit or call Harley Anti-aging Institute today to to make an appointment.