More to varicose veins than you might think

SEATTLE - Varicose veins - those dark bulging veins that seem to be twisted in knots - are a cosmetic problem for most people, but they can also be painful. According to the Mayo Clinic Web site (www.mayoclinic.com) this condition can sometimes lead to more serious problems, because varicose veins "may also signal a higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system."

Varicose veins are very common. They're most likely to occur in your legs and feet. It has long been believed that women are more prone to these unsightly veins, but a recent article in the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter (www.wellnessletter.com) says "gender may not be a factor."

The Wellness Letter sites a recent study done by the University of Edinburgh which "actually found that men - and taller people of both sexes - were more likely to have varicose veins."

"This was really a shock to me when I reviewed the literature," says Dr. John Swartzberg, head of the Wellness Letter's editorial board. "

What causes varicose veins? Many women get them during pregnancy, but the Wellness Letter says the strongest factor appears to be genetic. "If varicose veins run in your family," Dr. Swartzberg says, "you are at higher risk."

Other risk factors include:

• Being overweight
• Lack of exercise
• Getting Older
• Standing for long periods of time

Health experts say there's nothing you can do to guarantee you won't get varicose veins, but both exercise and losing weight (if you are overweight) may help.

Exercise, specifically walking, swimming and cycling, the Wellness Letter explains, may help prevent and treat varicose veins because they gently stimulate circulation. "The more we pump our legs and exercise those muscles," Dr. Swartzberg explains, "the more likely we are to get the blood out of those legs and that helps with varicose veins."

For those who already have varicose veins, here are some things to do:

• Skip the high heels
• Avoid tight underwear
• Don't sit with your legs crossed
• Put your feet up

"Lie down for 10 or 20 minutes with your feet on a pillow," Dr. Swartzberg says. "If you're sitting and you can't really put your legs up, flex your feet a lot; go back and forth with flexing your feet and that will help with pumping the blood out of your legs."

For more information:

Mayo Clinic: Varicose Veins