What causes varicose veins?

What causes varicose veins?

Introduction: Why Varicose Veins Need a New Approach

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that most commonly occur in the legs, affecting millions of people worldwide. While conventional treatments often focus on the symptoms or provide temporary relief, at Patients Medical in New York City, we go beyond symptom management. Our integrative approach addresses the root causes of varicose veins, helping you improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote long-term vascular health naturally.

We treat the whole person—not just the veins.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that often appear bluish or purplish and are commonly visible beneath the skin’s surface. They occur when the valves in the veins weaken, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins, leading to their enlargement. Common symptoms of varicose veins include aching, heaviness in the legs, and visible bulging veins.

Common Types of Varicose Veins:

  • Saphenous veins: Located along the inner thighs and calves, these veins are the most common site for varicose veins.
  • Reticular veins: Smaller veins that are often referred to as “spider veins” due to their web-like appearance.
  • Perforator veins: These veins connect the deep and superficial veins and can cause complications if they become enlarged.

While varicose veins are typically not life-threatening, they can cause discomfort, lead to skin changes, and, in severe cases, may result in ulcers or blood clots.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common signs and symptoms include:

If these symptoms interfere with your daily life or worsen over time, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to address the condition early.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Varicose Veins?

Functional medicine aims to uncover the root causes behind varicose veins, focusing on the underlying factors that contribute to vein dysfunction and poor circulation. Common causes include:

  • Weakened vein valves: Over time, the valves in the veins weaken, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins, leading to varicose veins.
  • Poor circulation: Slow or inefficient blood flow can cause blood to pool in the veins, leading to the formation of varicose veins.
  • Genetics: A family history of varicose veins increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and increased blood volume put pressure on the veins in the legs, contributing to varicose veins.
  • Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the veins, contributing to poor circulation and vein damage.
  • Hormonal imbalances: Changes in hormones, especially during pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal therapies, can affect the elasticity of veins and lead to varicose veins.
  • Sedentary lifestyle: Long periods of inactivity or standing can reduce circulation and increase the risk of developing varicose veins.
  • Age: As you age, the veins lose their elasticity, and the valves may weaken, leading to varicose veins.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we use advanced diagnostic tests to identify the underlying causes of your varicose veins and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Tests include:

Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow and identify vein abnormalities

Venography to evaluate the veins’ structure and function

Blood tests to check for underlying conditions like clotting disorders

Functional movement analysis to identify posture or walking problems affecting circulation

Hormonal panels to assess any imbalances that may contribute to vein health

Integrative Treatments for Varicose Veins

Weight Management

Excess weight puts additional pressure on your veins, contributing to the development and worsening of varicose veins. We offer medically supervised weight loss programs that include:

  • Personalized nutrition plans
  • Exercise programs to improve circulation
  • Mindfulness coaching for long-term weight management success

Stress Reduction

Stress can exacerbate symptoms of varicose veins by increasing cortisol levels, which can affect circulation and vein health. We offer stress reduction therapies such as:

  • Mindfulness meditation to calm the nervous system and reduce stress
  • Acupuncture to relieve stress and promote circulation
  • Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha to support adrenal health and reduce stress

Circulation Support

Improving circulation is key to preventing and treating varicose veins. We incorporate several therapies to promote blood flow, including:

  • Compression stockings to support vein function and improve blood flow in the legs
  • Acupuncture to stimulate circulation and reduce venous congestion
  • Leg elevation and gentle exercise to promote healthy blood flow and reduce swelling

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

Several natural supplements have been shown to support vein health and reduce varicose vein symptoms. These include:

  • Horse chestnut extract to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling
  • Butcher’s broom for its ability to tone veins and improve circulation
  • Dandelion root to support detoxification and reduce inflammation
  • Gotu kola for its potential to strengthen veins and improve skin health
  • Vitamin E for its antioxidant properties and ability to support vein health

These supplements are carefully monitored and dosed by our physicians to ensure they complement your treatment plan.

Nutritional Therapy

We provide personalized nutrition plans that focus on improving vascular health, reducing inflammation, and supporting circulation. Nutritional recommendations may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce vein inflammation
  • Vitamin C and bioflavonoids to support collagen production and improve blood vessel health
  • Magnesium-rich foods to improve circulation and reduce leg cramps
  • Whole foods diet that supports healthy weight management to reduce pressure on the veins

Real Case Study: Jane’s Journey to Relief

Jane, 47, came to us with painful varicose veins and swelling in her legs. After testing, we found that she had poor circulation, hormonal imbalances, and was carrying extra weight, which worsened her symptoms.

We designed a personalized 3-month treatment plan for Jane, which included:

  • Compression therapy and magnesium supplementation
  • Anti-inflammatory meal planning and weight management strategies
  • Acupuncture to improve circulation and reduce vein inflammation
  • Herbal support with horse chestnut extract and gotu kola

Three months later, Jane’s symptoms had significantly improved. Her veins were less swollen, her pain had subsided, and she felt more energized overall.

Real Case Study: Mark’s Journey to Relief

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Varicose veins are caused by weakened vein valves, poor circulation, genetics, and factors such as obesity, pregnancy, and prolonged standing.

While varicose veins cannot always be prevented, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding long periods of standing can help reduce the risk.

In most cases, varicose veins are not life-threatening. However, they can cause discomfort, and if left untreated, they may lead to complications such as ulcers or blood clots.

Yes, natural treatments such as herbal supplements, compression therapy, weight management, and stress reduction can significantly reduce symptoms.

Surgery is often not necessary, especially with an integrative approach. Many patients find relief through non-invasive treatments, such as compression therapy and lifestyle changes.

Regular exercise, elevating your legs, wearing compression stockings, and maintaining a healthy diet can significantly improve circulation.

Yes, varicose veins can cause aching, heaviness, or cramping in the legs. Pain often worsens after standing for long periods.

Varicose veins are typically not related to heart disease. However, poor circulation can contribute to vein problems and general cardiovascular health issues.

Yes, pregnancy increases blood volume and puts extra pressure on the veins, which can lead to varicose veins, especially in the third trimester.

Improvement may be seen within a few weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition and the treatments used.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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