Varicose veins can affect all age groups, so knowing what to look for and when to seek treatment is essential. It is not uncommon for women to develop varicose veins on their legs as they grow old, and this is especially true after the age of 50. The valves in people’s veins can weaken as they age, allowing blood to pool in the veins. Pooling can result in an enlarged, twisted, and swollen vein in the leg. They can also lead to more serious vein conditions if not treated properly. Are you concerned about varicose veins? Here is what you should know at any age.
For the age between ’20s and ’30s:
One of the most common causes of varicose veins in young adults in the age of twenties and thirties is heredity. However, other factors such as being overweight, taking birth control pills, or being pregnant can all contribute to the formation of varicose veins. In some cases, a sedentary lifestyle in adolescence can lead to varicose veins in the ‘20s sometimes. If you sit for long periods while playing video games or watching TV, eating unhealthy foods and indulging in too many high-calorie coffee drinks can have long-term consequences. Wearing high heels and tight leggings, for example, can also contribute to varicose veins. And some women notice that their varicose veins symptoms worsen when they are menstruating. People in their 20s and 30s who develop varicose veins may want to consult a doctor to learn how to prevent new varicose veins from forming and what treatment options are available for existing varicose veins.
For the age of ’40s:
Varicose veins are common in women in the age of 40s, especially in women who have had a few pregnancies, have been taking birth control pills for years, or are undergoing hormone replacement therapy. The difference is that varicose veins that appear in your 30s may become more problematic as you grow old. Varicose veins can form symptoms such as pain, itching, and throbbing. Few people experience symptoms that include muscle cramps, leg heaviness, and restless legs syndrome, all of which can harm the quality of life. In addition to seeing a doctor to treat varicose veins and their symptoms, it is critical to practice regular exercise, which is essential for everyone as they grow old. Exercise improves circulation in the legs and is essential for anyone prone to varicose veins.
For the age of ’50s:
In their 50s, two out of every five women and many men will have varicose veins or another venous disorder. However, this dynamic group of people, many of whom are juggling with the demands of full-time jobs and the needs of their children and parents, will often forego treatment to care for others. People in the age of 50s should consult a doctor about swollen veins, especially if they are accompanied by itching, pain, or burning. Individuals in this age group must also make time for regular exercise, which is one of the best ways to improve the circulation of blood in the legs and prevent from forming new varicose veins.
For the age of ’60s:
Men in their 60s have a 42 percent chance of having varicose veins or another form of venous insufficiency. For women, the figure is even higher, around 70%. The good thing is that as this group ages and enters their retirement years, they have more time to exercise. Even taking a daily walk can help prevent the formation of varicose veins. The bad news is that the longer you have untreated varicose veins, the more likely you will develop a venous ulcer. Scaling is the first sign of a venous ulcer, followed by brownish or yellowish patches and, finally, leg wounds on the lower leg or ankle. The ulcer is frequently accompanied by swelling. Anyone who notices any unusual skin changes on their lower legs or ankles should see a doctor right away to rule out and, if necessary, treat the ulcer and prevent new ones from forming.
For the age of ’70s:
Despite the fact that a person’s risk of getting varicose veins increases with age, options to treat this issue are still not available. Most individuals in their seventies are still suitable for minimally invasive varicose vein treatments such as sclerotherapy and vein ablation. That is fantastic news because this generation likely remembers how their parents and grandparents treated varicose veins with a hospital stay and extensive rehabilitation. That is no longer the case, and they should not be discouraged from seeking treatment because of their memories of those outdated procedures. Unlike traditional methods of treating varicose veins, today’s varicose veins doctor treatments are quick to recover from and can be performed in a doctor’s office. Older adults who are hesitant to treat their varicose veins should consult meet with a doctor having specialization in vein treatments and explain the treatment options available.
For the age of 80 and ’90s:
Many people in their 80s and 90s are still active and can have varicose veins treated. Treatment for varicose veins and other venous problems is especially important for this age group because they are at a higher risk of developing complications such as venous ulcers and deep vein thrombosis. Women in their 80s and 90s frequently spent more than a week in bed after giving birth during their childbearing years. As a result, few of them developed a condition known as white leg or milk leg at the time, which is now thought to be deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the lower leg or thigh. Medical experts now believe that having the condition in the past can increase a woman’s chances of developing venous ulcers in the future. For these reasons, people in their 80s and 90s should see a doctor if they are concerned about the impact of varicose veins on their health and want to make sure they are not at risk of developing other venous conditions.
Who gets varicose veins?
The big myth that only the elderly suffer from varicose veins makes complete sense because, as we age, our veins and valves age as well, causing them to weaken. However, even a woman in her twenties can have varicose veins. Varicose enlarged veins are more common in certain people, and age is only one factor. Other groups of people who can develop varicose veins include:
- Both gender over the age of 40:
Varicose veins affect approximately millions of women between the ages of 40 and 80, and female hormones are thought to be involved. While women are more susceptible, they are not the only ones who develop varicose veins. Eleven million men between the ages of 40 and 80 have varicose veins.
- Women on hormone therapy:
Women who use birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, sometimes prescribed to help with menopausal symptoms, are more likely to develop varicose veins.
- Anyone with a history of vein damage or blood clot:
Any damage to a vein, whether from trauma or the presence of a blood clot, can harm the valves and vein walls, increasing the likelihood that the vein will develop into a varicose vein.
- Individuals with a long family history:
If you have a permanent family history of varicose veins, you are more likely to develop them as well. This is due to the fact that leaky valves are figured to be inherited.
- Overweight or obese individuals:
Increased weight puts additional strain on the valves and vein walls, increasing the likelihood of varicose veins developing.
- Pregnant women:
During pregnancy, the forming fetus rests on the veins in the lower abdomen, increasing the amount of blood pooling in the legs. Pregnancy-related varicose veins usually disappear after the baby is born.
- People who work in sedentary jobs:
You may develop varicose veins if you work at a desk job that requires sitting for long periods. The muscles in the legs are vital in moving blood forward, but we protect the muscles from moving blood against gravity when we sit or stand for long durations.
- Employees on the job:
Restaurant workers, flight attendants, teachers, and mail carriers are just a few examples of occupations that require prolonged standing. Standing for an extended period, like sitting, can strain the veins, increasing the likelihood of varicose veins developing.
What are the causes of varicose veins?
It takes a lot of effort to move all of that blood. Veins are filled with valves that help keep blood flowing in the right direction so that they can do their job. Valves function similarly to comparatively tiny doors that shut after blood has passed through to keep circulation going forward and protect it from flowing backward. However, as people age, the valves may become less effective. When this happens, some blood may remain in a vein rather than flowing forward as it should. This causes the vein to swell, and the swollen vein is known as a varicose vein.
Because the legs, ankles, and feet are the furthest away from the heart, veins are more likely to appear there. When you stand or sit, gravity pulls blood down into your legs and feet. As a result, the veins must work hard to go back blood to the heart, and some of those veins may eventually wear out. Varicose veins appear to be twisting veins, purple or blue, and raised, implying that they are sitting on top of the skin. They can be tender and very painful, especially after sitting or standing for an extended period. People with varicose veins may also experience achy, heavy legs.
What age is normal for varicose veins?
Varicose veins become more common after the age of 50, but they can occur at any age. Unfortunately, varicose veins at an early age are more probable to experience. Because varicose veins can be inherited, they can affect anyone, even teenagers. Women are more commonly affected than men, and if you work a job that requires you to be on your feet for long periods or sit for the majority of the day, you are more likely to develop varicose or spider veins. Obese people, pregnant women, and those who use birth control pills or other hormones are also at a higher risk of developing varicose veins. However, sclerotherapy treatment is available for these unsightly veins.
Wrapping it up
Varicose veins are more prevalent in the legs because veins move blood up to your heart against gravity, and leaky valves and weak walls make it even more difficult to keep the blood moving. So, no matter your age, do not be concerned about varicose veins. Modern varicose veins laser treatment options can permanently cure the varicose veins, while also reducing the symptoms they frequently cause, such as leg pain and swelling.