Many people suffer from varicose veins and don’t even know it. Around 50 percent of women and 40 percent of men in the United States suffer from some venous disease, a condition that affects the veins in the legs and can cause pain, swelling, and cramping.
Varicose veins are large, twisted veins that usually appear on the legs. They can be blue or dark purple and look like cords or ropes running under the skin. They occur when the valves in the veins stop working properly. When these valves don’t work correctly, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins, causing the veins to enlarge and twist.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing varicose veins. These risk factors include family history and advanced aging. In addition, women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause. Being overweight puts extra pressure on the legs and can make varicose veins worse. Finally, individuals whose jobs require standing or sitting for long periods are at an increased risk of developing varicose veins. Listed below are the most common varicose veins symptoms.
Dark Purple or Blue Veins
Many people think that varicose veins are nothing more than a cosmetic issue. While it’s true that these bulging, twisted veins can be unsightly, they can also cause pain and discomfort. In some cases, they can even lead to more serious health problems. Individuals with varicose veins may notice that they sometimes appear dark purple or blue in color.
Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins stop working properly. These valves are responsible for keeping blood flowing in the right direction. When functioning properly, the valves open and close as needed to keep blood moving forward. However, when they’re not working right, blood can flow backward and pool in the vein.
The pooled blood can cause the vein walls to stretch and thin out. This process is called venous insufficiency, one of the primary causes of varicose veins. When the walls of the vein are stretched and thinned in this way, they become less efficient at carrying oxygen-rich blood from the body to the lungs. As a result, deoxygenated blood starts to build up in the vein, which gives it a dark purple or blue hue.
