Varicose veins at a young age are more common than many might think. Many people assume that varicose veins only affect older individuals, but this is far from the truth. Varicose veins can occur throughout adult life and often appear as one gets older. However, varicose veins can also appear when one is very young, and it is not uncommon to see individuals around 20 years old with varicose veins.

What are varicose veins?  

Varicose veins are blood vessels that twist along the leg, bulge out, and can cause discomfort such as itching, restlessness in the legs, cramps, and a heavy feeling in the legs. Varicose veins are blue and purple and most commonly occur on the legs because the pressure on the veins is greatest in the legs.

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How varicose veins occur  

In the legs, we have veins whose job is to lead the blood towards the heart, in an upward direction. To ensure that the blood doesn't flow backward, we have venous valves inside the veins that function as small gates. If these venous valves are defective, so that they can no longer close completely, some of the blood will flow back and accumulate. This causes the pressure in the veins to increase, the veins expand and twist, and varicose veins develop.

Who gets varicose veins?  

Varicose veins affect about one in three adults and can also occur at a young age. Varicose veins are more common in older individuals than in very young people. There is a reason for this. As previously described, varicose veins occur when the venous valves are defective, and the venous valves wear out for various reasons, including high age, obesity, and pregnancy.

Factors influencing the development of varicose veins at a young age:

  • Heredity: A major factor influencing the occurrence of varicose veins is heredity. This means that if your parents have varicose veins, there is a very high likelihood that you will also develop them, possibly even at a young age.
  • Pregnancy: Many women experience varicose veins during pregnancy. For some, the varicose veins disappear after giving birth, while others may require treatment to get rid of them. During pregnancy, the hormonal balance changes, body weight suddenly increases, and blood volume increases. These changes affect the venous valves, why varicose veins can occur, even at a young age.
  • Obesity: Another factor that can influence the development of varicose veins, and varicose veins at a young age, is obesity. Being overweight can put pressure on the veins and affect the occurrence of varicose veins. This condition is also seen in younger individuals, which is why varicose veins can occur in very young people.
  • Age: Another factor that affects the occurrence of varicose veins is age, which is why varicose veins are more commonly seen in older individuals than in very young people in their 20s. The venous valves wear out with age, just like the rest of the body, and this affects the veins and can lead to the development of varicose veins.

Can varicose veins at a young age be prevented?  

The very short answer to whether varicose veins at a young age can be prevented or avoided is no. In most cases, varicose veins at a young age, or later in life, occur due to heredity. However, there are various measures that can reduce the pressure on the veins, which will have some effect on how early varicose veins may appear.

If you first get varicose veins at a young age, there is nothing you can do to get rid of them yourself. Here, a varicose vein surgery will be required to remove the varicose veins.

Treatment methods for removing varicose veins  

If you developed varicose veins at a young age, they can be treated with gentle methods. Varicose veins worsen over time, so if you got them at a very young age, it is a good idea to remove them as soon as they bother you. Varicose veins do not go away on their own.

Today, modern methods are used to remove varicose veins, and these methods include heat treatment, foam treatment, and phlebectomy.

If you have developed varicose veins at a young age, they can be easily and gently removed, and UK Vein Care offer the latest methods in varicose vein treatment.

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