Varicose veins are a pretty common problem. In fact, more than three million cases of the condition are diagnosed every year in the US, and plenty more go undiagnosed. Generally, varicose veins are benign and don’t pose a serious health threat. However, just because they’re common and not life-threatening, doesn’t mean they aren’t a pain.

Do you ever feel a dull ache or soreness in your legs and feet after standing or sitting for a long time? When you look at your legs and feet do you see gnarled, enlarged veins? Chances are you have varicose veins.

Varicose veins develop over time, so the older you are, the more likely you are to have them. They form after wear and tear occurs on the valves in your veins that help regulate blood flow. These valves stop working as well as they used to and allow some blood to flow backward and collect in your veins. These veins then become enlarged and easy to see through your skins. Sometimes their physical appearance is the only symptom you may have of varicose veins, but for many, soreness, achiness and muscle fatigue are also typical.

If you think varicose veins might be your problem, consider your risk factors. One of the biggest ones is family history. Varicose vein formation tends to be genetic, so if one of your parents or another close relative suffered from them, the chances are higher that you might as well. Also, take a look at your personal health history. Are you or have you been pregnant? Your blood volume increases dramatically in pregnancy, putting additional strain on your veins and valves, causing varicose veins to suddenly form in some women. And overall, even with pregnancy aside, women are far more likely to develop varicose veins than men. Finally, take a look at your daily schedule. Do you spend a lot of the day in one position, be it sitting or standing? Doing this day after day can lead to varicose vein formation.

If it turns out that varicose veins are the reason behind your sore legs, try not to worry. Unless you are experiencing intense and persistent pain, you probably don’t need to rush to a doctor (of course, if you are, please seek medical attention immediately). However, there are treatments that can definitely help reduce both the appearance of varicose veins and the soreness they cause. So, take the next step by seeking out a vein specialist, and you’ll be well on your way to happier legs.

Utah vein specialist specialize in varicose vein treatments in Utah. If you are looking for varicose vein treatments in Utah, contact them today.