Achy legs at the end of the day, pain and even ankle sores that refuse to heal are indications of poor venous circulation. Ropy, blue vein tangles on legs are not only unsightly, they can tell a story. When veins on the legs become bulgy, damage to the valves inside the vein has occurred. When this happens, blood pools in the vein causing it to protrude. This is called venous insufficiency.

Venous Insufficiency

Two thirds of women over the age of 60 suffer from varicose veins. Bulging leg veins can point to a number of lifestyle histories; professions that require standing for long periods of time, multiple pregnancies or obesity. Sometimes your veins may tell a story that is not so benign, like heart disease.

Leg Veins and the Heart

Leg veins are a major component of heart function. When leg veins fail, blood pools in the legs causing aching heaviness and less blood directed to the heart. A compromised venous system in the legs is the first step towards heart problems.

Symptoms

Symptoms of venous insufficiency are often allocated to aging. However, this list may indicate your venous system needs a checkup:

• Leg cramps
• Itching legs
• Heavy, aching legs
• Swollen legs
• Restless legs

Lifestyle Changes

See a venous specialist for advice on vein care. They can tell you if you have serious problems other than unsightly varicosities. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time and eat a diet well-supplied with fruits and vegetables. Compression stockings may be helpful.

Varicose Vein Closure

Surgeons shrink a bulging vein by inserting a closure catheter and heating the vein wall. The vein shrinks from the heat application and blood is rerouted to healthy veins. This procedure is minimally invasive, utilizing only a tiny incision in the lower leg and local anesthesia. It may be done in a physician's office or outpatient hospital surgicenter. Patients return to activities of daily living much faster than when veins are stripped.

Once varicose veins appear, they will not disappear by themselves. Innovations in medical technology, enabling cutting-edge brain, heart and lung surgeries, have revolutionized the treatment of varicose veins. The results of these procedures are cosmetically appealing. There is no scarring, unsightly veins are eliminated and blood flow renewed. Don’t ignore the appearance of your veins. They could be your first warning sign of serious medical conditions that should be taken care of immediately.