Varicose veins in my legs

I'm in my early 30s and seem to have a ton of varicose veins running along my legs and thighs. Is this normal? I don't mind them cosmetically speaking, but I do have leg pain from time to time. Is this reason to worry?

- J.P., Carbondale

The veins you speak of, varicose veins, are abnormal veins.

These are dilated veins just underneath the skin. They result from increased pressure in the venous system. The increased pressure comes from poorly functioning valves in the veins of the leg.

Normally the valves in veins keep blood flowing in one direction, towards the heart. When these valves fail blood 'leaks' back down the leg veins towards the feet. This puts more pressure on the small superficial veins causing them to dilate. The increased pressure can also lead to swelling, aching pain, restlessness, cramping and ulceration.

Varicose veins slightly increase your risk for blood clots. Phlebitis which is inflammation of a vein often occurs in clotted varicose veins.

Varicose veins though abnormal are fairly common, occurring in 10-20 percent of the population. Most patients with varicose veins inherited them from one or both of their parents. Varicose veins will worsen over time.

For a long time the only treatment we could offer patients with varicose veins was vein stripping. In addition to delay in return to work and a requirement for monitored or general anesthesia, this procedure when done well leads to increased rates of recurrence due to a process called neovascularization.

Fortunately new, more effective treatments are available which do not require general anesthesia and allow for immediate return to normal activity. These treatment can be done in an office setting and are covered by most insurance plans.

James Robelen, MD, F.A.C.S., is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Diplomat of the American College of Phlebology.

As Medical Director and founder of Southern Illinois Vein Center, in Marion, Dr. Robelen may be contacted at (618) 998-8346. Visit www.sivein.com for additional information.