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40 years
I exercise i move all the time and all my body, ive notices that my veins in my feet and behind my knees are overshowing like never before, my whole legs cramp and i cant sleep(sometimes)is itvarices?
Aug 1, 2014

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Varicose are normal veins that have dilated under the influence of increased venous pressure.
Normal healthy veins are equipped with one-way valves that direct the flow of venous blood upward and inward. When subjected to high pressures, superficial veins of any size become dilated and tortuous.
Elevated venous pressure most often is due to a venous valve that fails to direct blood correctly. The result is formation of varicose veins, which are the undesirable pathways by which venous blood refluxes back into the leg.
Causes are mostly hereditary (you're born with thin walled veins or with insufficient vein valves), occupational (you stand up for long periods of time), pregnancy, diabetes, hypertension, smoking. Chronic symptoms of varicose veins include the following:
Leg heaviness
Exercise intolerance
Pain or tenderness along the course of a vein
Pruritus (itchiness)
Burning sensations
Restless legs
Night cramps
Edema (swelling)
Skin changes
Paresthesia (numbness or tingling)
Diagnosis is based on a proper history, physical exam, and a doppler ultrasound of the legs (an ultrasound that detects blood flow of the veins).
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