The swollen, twisted, and discolored veins that are characteristic of varicose veins occur when blood pools in the legs and distorts the veins. Blood is returned to the heart via a network of veins through­out the body, and the veins in the legs have the difficult task of directing blood to flow uphill. A series of valves in the veins keeps the blood from flowing backwards, but the valves can be faulty for a variety of reasons. Varicose veins typically appear along the insides of the legs and the backs of the calves. Common symptoms include tired, aching legs and swollen ankles and feet. Often, the skin covering the veins becomes sensitive and itches. The swollen, twisted veins are usually surrounded by hard, lumpy tissue caused by an excess of fibrin, a protein made by the body that promotes blood clotting and the formation of scar tissue. Healthy veins natu­rally produce a substance that helps to break down excess fibrin, but people with varicose veins have a decreased ability to break down fibrin.

Many women find that their symptoms are worse before and during menstruation, and also in the perimenopausal years because high levels of estrogen weaken the veins. While most varicose veins occur on the surface of the legs, a more serious type are those that affect the deeper leg veins. These deep veins are more prone to inflammation, and blood clots can form on the vein walls. If blood clots break loose, they can travel to the lungs through the blood­stream and may cause serious damage. If you have painful leg swelling that does not diminish after elevating your legs, consult your physician immediately because it may signal a dangerous blood clot.

A variety of factors contribute to varicose veins, including an inherited tendency to have weak veins or valves. However, many cases of varicose veins are caused by factors that increase pressure in the legs, all of which you can prevent. Being overweight, stand­ing or sitting for long periods of time, constipation, and tight cloth­ing that restricts blood flow in the pelvis and legs all impair circulation and contribute to weakening the veins. Simple habits that you can cultivate to prevent varicose veins include avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time. Make an effort to get up and move around every half hour if you are sitting, and if you must stand for any length of time, keep moving to prevent blood from pooling in your legs. The movement of leg muscles acts like a pump to push your blood up through your veins on its return journey to the heart.

Whenever possible, raise your legs while you are sitting to ease the workload on your veins. Place a small stool under your desk to elevate your feet, and use a footstool or a recliner at home. One of the best things you can do to prevent varicose veins and to relieve the symptoms of existing ones is to walk every day for at least 45 minutes. You might consider breaking the walk up into 15-minute segments in the morning, afternoon, and evening to give your cir­culation a significant boost three times a day. In addition to active exercise, take time every day to relax with your legs raised above your head to ease the pressure on your veins. Lie on your back on the floor near a wall, and place your feet on the wall so that your legs are at a 45-degree angle to your body. Relax for 10 to 15 min­utes in this position one or more times daily.