Varicose Veins: Not Pretty but You Can Live with Them

Tuesday, October 01, 2002

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Varicose veins, large twisted veins where the valves have stopped working, aren't normal or pretty. But most don't need treatment unless you want cosmetic changes, according to the October issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

If you have troublesome symptoms such as throbbing, cramping or swelling, or just don't like the look of varicose veins, talk with your doctor about treatment options. Using lasers, heat or injecting a solution that causes inflammation and closes the veins are among several new treatment options available. Surgery is recommended less frequently than in the past and only when the veins are very large.

Don't have varicose veins yet? Don't worry about crossing your legs, standing for long periods of time or obesity as potential culprits. There's no evidence that any of those factors cause varicose veins. Risk factors do include a family history of varicose veins, pregnancy and previous blood clots.

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-351-8963, extension 9PK1.

Shelly Plutowski
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email:newsbureau@mayo.edu

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