If you’ve recently turned 40, you might have noticed some changes happening to your body.

Cardiovascular problems, eye issues, and other health concerns can become pronounced after 40. While there’s plenty you can do to slow these processes, with time, some of them are simply inevitable.

One possible development that can come with turning 40 is varicose veins. These are bulging, twisting veins that are often visible on the legs.

While they’re often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can signal underlying circulation problems that deserve attention.

We’re practicing vein specialists in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. In our work, we’ve met many people over the age of 40 who are experiencing varicose veins for the first time. Here’s why that’s happening — and how you can take the first step to healthier, more comfortable legs.

Why Varicose Veins Become More Common After 40

Many say that one day they looked down and, seemingly out of nowhere, they had varicose veins.

While it may feel this way, this is not how varicose veins develop. In order for a varicose vein to form, a few things have to happen — and, as one ages, the likelihood of these causal factors coming into play is increased.

To start, varicose veins can occur as a result of veins losing elasticity and valve function. As one gets older, weakened vein walls can stretch and become less effective. At the same time, the tiny one-way valves inside your veins become less effective.

These two factors together can cause blood to leak backward and pool in the veins, making them expand and become visible through the skin. 

Second, getting older can bring about hormonal changes. These changes, especially in women, can increase the likelihood of vein dysfunction (and thus, varicose veins). 

Finally, varicose veins can come about simply as a result of everyday vein use. After decades with prolonged periods of sitting or standing, the cumulative stress on the veins can be too much for them to bear. Not only that, but many other things that come with age — such as weight gain, reduced activity, high blood pressure, and more — are all linked with varicose vein development.

What Are Some Signs That I’m Developing Varicose Veins?

If you’re over 40 but do not have visible varicose veins, it’s important to be aware of potential symptoms of varicose veins. 

Many people experience physical symptoms of varicose veins around the same time, or even before, they can see them. Some of these symptoms include aching or heavy legs (especially after long periods of standing), swelling in the lower legs and ankles, burning sensations, itching around impacted areas, and/or muscle cramps, especially at night.

If left untreated, this can not only result in varicose vein development, but the development of spots of discolored skin or even ulcers.

How Can You Prevent or Treat Varicose Veins?

For those who are concerned that they may develop varicose veins, there are a few steps that they can take.

First, one can add exercise into their everyday life. While this may seem daunting on the surface, adding a little bit of extra exercise can be both easy and enjoyable. For example, adding even just 15 minutes of walking into your day can do wonders for your health. 

Second, one can avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing. This can be done by simply making an effort to stand or sit once per hour, or finding ways to make your work or everyday life friendlier to both standing and sitting. For example, one can get an adjustable desk, or ask for tasks at work that require more movement.

Finally, a person interested in limiting the development of varicose veins can elevate their legs at the end of a workday. This can be done by laying down, then propping one’s legs up on a stack of pillows.

However, if one wants to get rid of varicose veins, the only surefire way to do so is through vein treatment. 

Conclusion

If one is worried about developing varicose veins after the age of 40, they can take a few steps to reduce the risk. That said, if varicose veins have already developed, a surefire way to get rid of them is vein treatment.

By consulting a vein specialist, like one the experts at our Milwaukee, Wisconsin clinic, you can develop an awareness of your current vein issues, as well as what treatment is best suited to your specific vein problems.

Contemporary vein treatments are quick, low-pain, and have short recovery times. If you’re interested in vein treatment, book a consultation with us today.