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Posted on: 10 February 2016

Varicose veins can be painful, embarrassing, and unsightly. As such, nobody likes to think about the possibility of developing them. However, it is something you should think about and be on the lookout for because, if caught early enough, there are treatments available that can help to lessen or even get rid of varicose veins entirely. And, the sooner you seek out these varicose veins treatments, the more likely they are to be effective.

So that you can increase your chances of healing varicose veins if they happen to you, make yourself aware, first of all, of the risk factors for varicose veins. Then, if you are at an increased risk, you can stay vigilant when it comes to watching for the early indicators of varicose veins. If you notice any of these signs, particularly if you are at an increased risk for varicose veins, you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately.

Risk Factor #1: A Family History

First of all, know that varicose veins can sometimes, unfortunately, be genetic. Therefore, if someone in your family had varicose veins, this does mean that you are at an increased risk of developing them and that you should be especially watchful for any warning signs.

Risk Factor #2: Past Leg Injuries

If you have suffered any injuries to your legs in the past, then you could be at an increased risk for developing varicose veins. This is especially true if these injuries harmed the veins in your legs. If your leg veins were weakened as a result of the injury, they may not function as efficiently, which can lead to clotted blood in the legs and the development of varicose veins.

Risk Factor #3: Pregnancy

Women already have an increased risk of developing varicose veins compared to men, and unfortunately, pregnancy only compounds these risks. In fact, every pregnancy increases the risk since the fetus and the extra weight can put additional pressure on the veins and cause them to function improperly. For this same reason, being overweight or obese can also increase the risk.

Know the Signs

If you have one ore more of these risk factors or if you are simply concerned about the possibility of developing varicose veins, make yourself aware of the early warning signs, and, if you notice any of them, speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Warning signs may include:

• Large, visible veins in the legs
• Discoloration around leg veins
• Swelling of the ankles and/or feet
• Itchy legs
• Painful legs
• Unexplained leg cramps