Varicose veins or twisted and bulged veins often occur in the aged population. Declining vein health, ageing vein walls and valves and poor blood circulation often cause older people to develop varicose veins. But did you know this condition can develop among the younger population too? Many factors can cause younger people to develop it. So that brings us to the question, can a 25 year old have varicose veins?
Yes, young people, even those in their 20s can develop this condition. In fact, it can occur in teenagers too. Many factors such as heredity play a role in developing it. Varicose veins are common in women going through menstrual cycles and pregnancy and those on birth control.
This article details the various factors that influence the formation of varicose veins among young adults, common symptoms they face, treatment options available to them and how they can prevent it, especially if they are at a higher risk of developing them.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Let us start by understanding what varicose veins are.
Varicose veins are twisted and swollen veins that occur in the lower parts of the body such as legs, ankles and feet. Veins are the part of the body’s circulatory system and carry blood from various parts of the body to the heart so that the blood can be oxygenated and sent back to all the body parts.
Sometimes, the veins may fail to pump blood properly. The vein valves that are responsible for directing the movement of the blood back to the heart in a single direction may fail to function or malfunction.
The inner lining of the veins, known as endothelial cells, may also fail to function properly.
In both these cases, blood may fail to move in its expected direction and accumulate in the vein.
Consequently, the vein may swell, become twisted, and cause symptoms such as pain, heaviness and discomfort. Skin changes such as redness, irritation, swelling, discolouration and hardening also occur.
Prolonged varicosity without treatment can lead to ulceration which is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention.
Can a 25 Year Old Have Varicose Veins?
Yes, a 25 year old adult can have varicose veins. In fact, varicose veins are seen in teenagers as young as 15 year olds too.
Traditionally, varicose veins were considered an age-related disease and more common in individuals over 50 years of age.
However, this condition can start in late teens and are common in most age groups thereafter.
Compared to men, women are at a higher risk of developing varicosity due to hormonal changes.
Fluctuations in progesterone and estrogen levels during menstruation and pregnancy cause varicose veins in young women making them more prone to develop the condition at an early age.
Young women taking birth control to deal with heavy menstrual bleeding, PCOS, endometriosis or acne also tend to develop varicose veins at a very young age.
Heredity is a very common cause for varicose veins and young adults with a family history are likely to develop varicosity early on in life.
Let us now discuss the common causes of varicose veins among those in their 20s.
Causes of Varicose Veins in 25 Year Olds (Young Adults)
Though young adults may not technically be at a higher risk for developing varicose veins, some factors may make them prone to developing varicosity from a young age.
Reasons for varicose veins in 25 year olds are contributed due to heredity, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, gender, hormones and injuries.
Heredity
Genetics or family history plays a vital role in developing varicose veins, especially among young adults.
Having a family member or a relative with varicose veins increases the chances of developing varicose veins at a young age.
Parents and grandparents have the highest chances of transmitting varicosity to children and grandchildren respectively.
If one parent suffers from varicose veins, the child has 40% chances of inheriting the condition.
If both the parents suffer from varicose veins, the child has up to 90% chances of inheriting.
Young adults can inherit weak or faulty vein valves or walls from parents, grandparents or other family members which can lead them to develop varicose veins.
Lower production of proteins such as collagen and elastin which are responsible for vein wall strength, elasticity and flexibility is also an inherited factor that can contribute to varicosity.
Obesity
Obesity or a higher body weight is a known risk for developing varicose veins. Higher body weight may put excess pressure on the veins which carry blood back to the heart.
Additional body weight and pressure on the lower parts of the body such as legs and feet cause blood circulation issues. Veins have to work hard to pump blood against gravity which is already a tough task.
Excess body weight may cause the veins to work and pump harder which can lead to faulty vein valve or wall issues.
Obesity also results in high blood pressure which can again negatively influence the blood circulation leading blood to pool up in the veins resulting in varicose veins.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Young adults in their 20s may lead a sedentary lifestyle due to multiple reasons. Spending excessive time in one sport studying, working or playing games can interfere with blood circulation,
Calf muscles do not function enough, further adding fuel to the poor blood circulation in lower body extremities.
Some individuals in this age group may spend more time standing or sitting in one place owing to their job nature. Such prolonged hours of being in one position can contribute to varicose veins too.
Lack of physical activity is one of the biggest lifestyle factors contributing to varicosity among young adults after genetics.
Gender
Women are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins compared to men due to the influence of hormones. Women experience fluctuations in hormones at various stages throughout their life putting them at a higher risk for developing varicose veins.
Since these fluctuations start as early as during menstrual cycles, women may also develop varicosity at an earlier age in a larger percentage when compared to men.
Hormones
Levels of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen vary throughout a woman’s life. These varying hormone levels may stress veins, cause them to relax more than necessary and may interfere with the functioning of the vein walls and valves.
Women are more prone to varicose veins due menstruation, pregnancy, menopause (among women aged 40 and above) and women on birth control may face frequent hormone fluctuations which contribute to varicose veins immensely.
Injuries
Some individuals who have experienced injuries and damage to the veins may develop varicose veins as a consequence or side effect of the trauma or injury.
While factors such as genetics and hormone fluctuations cannot be controlled, obesity, lifestyle factors and diet habits can be controlled. Making positive changes to routine may help those suffering from varicose veins, especially in the initial stages, gain quick relief from the symptoms and prevent further spreading of the condition.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins in Young Adults
The symptoms of varicose veins in young adults is the same as the symptoms experienced by all other age groups including older individuals.
The most common symptoms of varicose veins causing discomfort can be observed by:
- Visible or palpable swollen and twisted veins under the skin
- Pain and discomfort in the affected area, most commonly in the legs
- Inflammation and heaviness, especially after prolonged standing or sitting
- Swelling around the hands, legs and feet
- Itching, irritation, burning and discomfort in the areas surrounding the varicose veins
- Muscle cramping, especially after prolonged periods of stress or at night
- Restless legs at sleep time disturbing the sleep routine
- Discoloration, thickening or hardening of the skin surrounding the varicose veins
Untreated varicose veins can lead to severe conditions such as ulceration, bleeding from ulcers and slow healing of ulcers which will need immediate medical attention.
Risk Factors for Varicose Veins in 25 Year Olds
The common risk factors for varicose veins in young adults include
- Heredity
- Obesity
- Gender
- Jobs involving prolonged standing or sitting
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal medications such as birth control
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Smoking
Those at a higher risk for developing varicose veins should be mindful of the additional risk factors that may increase the chances of aggravating the condition and take necessary steps to mitigate the occurrence.
Treatment Options For Varicose Veins in Young Adults
For young adults who are in their 20s, the treatment options for varicose veins depend on the stage and the accompanying symptoms.
Treatment options for varicose veins affected 25 year olds can be considered such as:
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes, though not considered a treatment option, are often the first line of treatment for people of all ages suffering from varicose veins including young adults.
Adding exercises to everyday routine, cycling, jogging, walking and swimming, eating a healthy, nutritious balanced diet and avoiding unhealthy food choices are essential first steps.
Exercising improves muscle movement and blood circulation while a nutritious diet provides all the nutrients needed for vein health and proper blood circulation.
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and using techniques such as leg elevation and compression stockings also prove beneficial for varicose veins.
Young adults must avoid wearing tight clothing that may restrict movement while women prone to varicose veins must also avoid high heels. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must.
CLaCS Therapy
CLaCS therapy or cryo-laser and cryo-sclerotherapy is a modern minimally invasive procedure for initial stages of varicose veins or very small varicose veins (spider veins). The therapy involves combining cryotherapy, laser therapy and sclerotherapy.
This procedure is quick and efficient with minimal recovery time. Cryotherapy or cold therapy ensures lesser pain and discomfort and is effective for small and medium sized varicose veins.
CLaCS therapy is getting increasingly popular since it reduces varicose vein symptoms while improving the cosmetic appearance. Minimal procedure and recovery time leaving minimal scarring are additional reasons for the popularity of this procedure.
Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy
Endovenous laser ablation therapy or EVLA is a minimally invasive procedure done under local anaesthesia. This is another popular and advanced procedure that is gaining popularity due to the minimal surgical incisions, lesser downtime and quick recovery.
This procedure has seen high success rates and in most cases, the patient can go back to their routine a day after the procedure.
Patients having moderate varicose veins with symptoms may be recommended this procedure. EVLA usually leaves minimal scarring and the healing is quick too.
Radio Frequency Ablation
Radio frequency ablation or RFA is another minimally invasive procedure often recommended for varicose veins with symptoms and for venous reflux.
This quick, minimally invasive procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Patients can resume normal activities within a day.
The procedure may cause mild swelling and discomfort which resolve on their own in a short period.
Complex procedures such as vein stripping and ligation may be performed in severe cases and may take longer time to recover.
While non-medical treatment options are common across the board for all ages, the surgical treatment methods will be decided by a varicose veins specialist based on physical and medical examination and test results.
Conclusion
A 25 year old can have varicose veins. Age is not a factor for developing this condition when factors such as heredity, hormones, body weight and lifestyle choices are at play. Recognising the risk factors, identifying the condition and getting the right treatment at the right time are crucial to quick relief and recovery.
If you are suffering from varicose veins and are looking for the right treatment, approaching the right varicose vein expert is vital. The expert team at Avis Hospitals is well trained to provide the right treatment options based on specific individual needs and the existing varicose veins conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal to have varicose veins at 25?
Yes, it is normal to have varicose veins at 25. Though varicose veins are considered normal in older people aged 50 and above, younger people can also develop this condition. Having a family history of varicose veins increases young people’s chances of varicosity. In addition, hormones, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and poor food choices may cause some people to develop varicose veins at a young age. Women, due to hormonal fluctuations may also develop varicose veins in their 20s.
Why did I suddenly develop varicose veins?
Varicose veins usually do not develop overnight but the symptoms may take time to show up. In many cases, varicose veins may start only as a cosmetic concern with swollen twisted veins showing under the skin with no visible symptoms. With progression in the condition, physical symptoms such as pain, heaviness, discomfort, swelling and skin changes may show up causing suffering to the individual who may need to visit a varicose vein expert for treatment.
What is the youngest age to get varicose veins?
20s is the youngest age to get varicose veins, though sometimes teenagers in their late teens may also develop this condition. Genetics, hormonal fluctuations, sedentary lifestyle and being in the same position for long hours may lead to development of varicose veins in late teens and in 20s.
Can I live a normal life with varicose veins?
Yes, it is possible to live a normal life with varicose veins but timely medical intervention, lifestyle modifications and home remedies play a crucial role in ensuring a normal lifestyle. Varicose veins are rarely life threatening but the symptoms can be difficult and painful to deal with. Some may feel embarrassed by the cosmetic appearance of the veins while others may struggle with the symptoms. In any case, getting a varicose vein expert’s opinion is the first step to ensure a better quality of life.
Does exercise help varicose veins?
Yes, exercising is beneficial for varicose veins. Basic exercising such as walking, swimming, cycling and jogging improve muscle movement and allow for better blood circulation, all of which can prove beneficial for varicose veins.