Teenagers and Varicose Veins

Teenagers and Varicose Veins

While mostly we think of vein issues as being for the elderly the truth is that varicose veins can start as young as the early teens in some.

Why would teens get varicose veins?

One of the biggest factors that influence vein health is genetics. If you are predisposed to having weak veins damage is more likely to occur, even at a young age. Obesity is more of a factor today than it has been ever before in today’s youth. Kids are more sedentary. The lack of movement combined with extra weight also adds pressure to veins and can cause damage.

Ironically the opposite also holds true. Teens who push themselves hard in physical activity and sports may also be at risk for varicose and spider veins to appear because trauma to an area may also cause damage to veins leading to venous insufficiency.

Who is at risk?

Those who play sports that put severe taxation on the legs such as:

Volleyball players – they are on their feet all day and wear tight knee pads.

Gymnasts and Cheerleaders – due to long periods of standing and additional possibility of joint injury.

Runners – require leg veins to pump very quickly causing veins to enlarge, if genetics are involved it can be problematic.

So no matter what your age, if you begin to notice that your legs feel heavy, tired, achy, painful, or you visibly can see spider veins or larger varicose veins beginning to form the best time to begin treatment is to catch them early on. The tendency, especially as a teen is to feel embarrassed and hide them or cover them up but the best thing to do is let your parents know that they are appearing and let them get you some help.

As soon as you notice them find a Vein Specialist and have a consultation done. If you are in the Tampa, Florida area visit the West Florida Vein Center. www.westfloridaveincenter.com or call 727-712-3233.