CA
A 29-year-old male asked:
what is the definition or description of: varicose veins?
5 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in

Dr. Andrew Doe answered
Interventional Radiology 20 years experience
Big vein: It comes from the latin "varicosus" whihc means a large vein. The terminology of varicose vein disease (venous insufficiency) is arbitrary and based on the size of the vein. It ranges from spider veins to varicosities. Regardless, the underlying cause is venous insufficiency. http://www.houstonvir.com/varicose-veins-houston/.
4882 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A Verified Doctor commented
A US doctor answered Learn more
Well, taking in account anatomic and physiologic criteria, spider and varicose veins can't be put under same umbrella, frequently done so to justify the need for basically a not needed ultrasound examination possibly followed with thermal ablation of the saphenous systems. This sequence of events triggered the "vein experts" revolution of the last decade plus!
Sep 20, 2013

Dr. John Landi answered
Phlebology 47 years experience
Bulging Veins.: Varicose veins are bulging grape-like appearing veins which are most commonly seen on the legs. These are due to leaking(refluxing) valves usually in the saphenous system. Some causes include hereditary, pregnancy, trauma and aging. The gold standard of treatment is to have a venous reflux ultrasound to both diagnose and form a treatment plan. You should see a vein specialist.
4876 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Yan Katsnelson answered
Phlebology 21 years experience
Varicose Veins: Varicose veins is explained as abnormal enlargement of the veins in the thighs and the lower legs. This occurs due to the poor blood circulation caused by either obstruction or prolonged pressure on the veins and hence, resulting in malfunctioning of the valves in the veins.
4866 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A Verified Doctor answered
A US doctor answered Learn more
Varicose Veins: Are dilated, elongated, winding, tortuous superficial leg veins. Upright position, meager tissular support, heredity, gender (female hormones/pregnancies) and life style may distend the vein triggering valvular incompetence and gravitational down flow (reflux) while the increased venous pressure will assure the progressive nature of the condition.
4862 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Joel Gotvald answered
Vascular Surgery 25 years experience
Varicose veins: Varicose veins are abnormal dilated, engorged, swollen veins of the legs that are most commonly superficial, just below the surface of the skin. They are typically the results of abnormal vein function within the veins that leads to pressure build-up inside the veins that causes then to stretch, thin, and enlongate. The underlying disease that often leads to them is caused venous reflux disease.
3234 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 33-year-old member asked:
Can having varicose veins kill you?
4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Uyeda answered
General Surgery 45 years experience
Not by itself: But varicose veins can lead to deep venous thrombophlebitis, from which a clot can dislodge and travel to your lungs, pulmonary embolism. And this can kill you. If you have unilateral leg swelling and pain, the only way to know for sure is to do an ultrasound study called venous duplex.
5212 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Is it dangerous to scratch varicose veins?
5 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Uyeda answered
General Surgery 45 years experience
Yes: Itching of skin means irritation. If you have varicose veins, there is nothing between the vessel and the outside, except skin. If skin breaks down, the vein can bleed uncontrollably. If it gets infected, bacteria can travel through the blood, septicemia. Resist scratching the skin. You can use topical creams and keep leg elevated until you get to a doctor.
5212 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
IN
A 20-year-old male asked about a 42-year-old male:
Is there any medicine available in the market to cure the varicose vein disease?
4 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Alexander Barkan answered
General Surgery 24 years experience
Magic: No magic pill or cream to get rid of varicose veins. There are vascular surgery procedures to help control the spread of varicose veins.
5196 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Lebanon
A 21-year-old female asked:
How to fight varicose veins ?
5 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jesse Mills answered
Urology 20 years experience
Surgery: No medications help. But not all varicoceles need surgery. If you have no pain and no impairment in fertility, you likely don't need therapy.
5136 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
What are good home remediesfor varicose veins:?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Miller answered
Wound care 36 years experience
No simple fix: Varicose veins occur when the surrounding supporting structures of the veins lose their support and the veins begin to bulge out. This can be causes by obesity, family history, trauma, or just bad luck. Treatment varies from compression stockings to injection/laser to removing parts of the bad veins (not stripping). There are no home remedies that really have any effect other than elevating them.
5052 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Mar 31, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.