Varicose veins facts for kids

Varicose veins are a common condition where the veins in your legs become bigger and twisted. Imagine your veins as tiny tubes that carry blood back to your heart. When you have varicose veins, these tubes get stretched out. This can make them look lumpy or dark blue under your skin. This condition usually affects the veins close to the surface of your skin in your legs. It can sometimes cause your legs to feel itchy or sore.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins happen when the small doors, called valves, inside your veins don't work correctly. Normally, these valves open to let blood flow towards your heart and then close to stop it from flowing backward. If these valves become weak or damaged, they might not close all the way.

How Do They Form?

When the valves don't close properly, blood can flow backward and collect in the vein. This extra blood causes the vein to swell and stretch, making it look enlarged and twisted. This is how a varicose vein forms. It's like a balloon that gets too much air and starts to bulge.

Who Gets Varicose Veins?

Anyone can get varicose veins, but some people are more likely to have them.

• Family history: If your parents or grandparents had them, you might too.
• Standing a lot: Jobs that require standing for long periods can make them more likely.
• Age: As people get older, their veins can become weaker.
• Being overweight: Extra weight can put more pressure on your veins.

What Are the Symptoms?

Varicose veins are often easy to see. They might look like bulging, blue, or purple cords under your skin, especially on your legs.

How Do They Feel?

Besides how they look, varicose veins can also cause some feelings in your legs:

• An aching or heavy feeling in your legs.
• Burning, throbbing, or muscle cramping.
• Swelling in your lower legs and ankles.
• Itching around the affected vein.
• Pain that gets worse after sitting or standing for a long time.

How Are Varicose Veins Treated?

There are different ways to help with varicose veins, depending on how severe they are.

Lifestyle Changes

Sometimes, simple changes can help ease the symptoms and stop the veins from getting worse:

• Exercise regularly: Moving your legs helps blood flow.
• Elevate your legs: Raising your legs above your heart can help blood flow back.
• Avoid long standing or sitting: Try to move around if you have to stand or sit for a long time.
• Wear compression stockings: These special socks gently squeeze your legs, helping blood move up towards your heart.

Medical Treatments

If lifestyle changes aren't enough, a doctor might suggest other treatments:

• Sclerotherapy: A doctor injects a special liquid into the vein. This liquid makes the vein close up and eventually fade away.
• Laser treatment: Strong bursts of light are used to make the vein fade. This works well for smaller veins.
• Vein stripping: For very large varicose veins, a doctor might remove the vein through small cuts. This is less common now with newer treatments.

Keeping Your Veins Healthy

Taking care of your body can help keep your veins healthy. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight are all good ways to support your circulatory system. If you notice any signs of varicose veins, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor.

See also

In Spanish: Variz para niños