As we age, our bodies change. There's no way around it — our bodies are constantly transforming.
A woman's body can do incredible things: grow other human beings and adapt to new environments. A body is a work in progress throughout a lifetime.
Our bodies show us just how powerful they are, but they also struggle sometimes.
Once in a while, we'll find something unusual on our skin, and it can be alarming or frightening.
At some point in life, many women experience varicose veins. They pop out, get gnarly and curvy, and make people feel self-conscious about their skin.
Anyone who has ever had varicose veins can tell you that they're difficult to deal with cosmetically. Some people with varicose veins actually experience pain and discomfort.
To learn more about varicose veins, some of their common causes, and some of the most surprising causes, read below!
What Are Varicose Veins?
According to the Mayo Clinic, "Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins."
Usually people get varicose veins on their legs and feet because they often have more pressure in the veins of their lower bodies.
For most people, varicose veins don't pose any real risk — they just don't look great — but once in a while they may be painful or uncomfortable, or be a sign of other circulatory issues.
Causes Of Varicose Veins Cause #1: Pregnancy
One of the most common causes of varicose veins is pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the amount of blood in a woman's body increases, but the amount flowing from the legs to pelvis decreases. This means that the veins in your legs may get enlarged due to the increased blood volume.
Varicose veins that develop during pregnancy usually improve within the year after the woman gives birth.
Cause #2: Aging
Another common cause of varicose veins is aging.
As people get older, their veins become less elastic, which means they may stretch out.
Additionally, the vein valves may become weaker, allowing blood to pool and flow backward. This is why the veins enlarge, become gnarled, and are often a dark blue/purple color.
Cause #3: Crossing Your Legs
Although it's not as common as some of the other causes, crossing your legs is actually known to help form spider veins — essentially the little sister of varicose veins.
The position of the legs and hips contributes to the vein problems, because it can change the way the blood circulates.
Cause #4: Sitting At A Desk All Day
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, standing or sitting for too long can cause varicose veins. Why?
Well, muscle contractions (that occur when we walk or exercise) help keep our blood flowing properly.
If you spend all day sitting, it may cause blood to pool in your veins, since it isn't getting pumped around by your muscles.
Cause #5: Standing For Long Periods Of Time
Just as sitting for a long time isn't great for your vein health, neither is standing still for a long time.
Standing can cause blood to pool in your legs and feet, and it can stretch out your veins if you don't keep moving.
If you have a job where you're standing for long periods of time — like a cashier or bank teller — try to walk around or sit from time to time.
Cause #6: Your Skincare Routine
This may surprise you, but the way you treat the skin on your legs may actually cause varicose veins.
If you ever cut yourself while shaving, it can disrupt your normal blood circulation and put pressure on the veins.
Additionally, if you avoid exfoliating and moisturizing, you're actually doing a disservice to your veins. Rubbing lotions and exfoliants on your legs can act like a massage, which improves your circulation.
Cause #7: Not Maintaining Your Leg Muscles
If you ever let your muscles begin to get smaller, veins can spread out in the gaps where muscles previously were.
The best way to avoid this? Keep up a consistent exercise regimen — even if that just means walking the same amount every day.
Cause #8: Eating A Sodium-Rich Diet
Eating salty foods may not seem like a big deal, but if you consume too much salt, it can negatively impact your veins.
Salt causes water retention, which can put too much pressure on your blood vessels.
Cause #9: Wearing High Heels Too Often
Finally, wearing high heels all the time can also cause varicose veins. Since walking is one of the best ways to keep the blood pumping in your legs and feet, you need to have a full range of motion in your ankles and calves.
When you wear heels, your calf is stuck in a single position, meaning the blood isn't circulating properly. The solution? Switch to flats every once in a while!
If you've ever had varicose veins, please SHARE this article with your friends and family!
