Varicose veins in children and adolescents | Causes + Diagnosis and Treatment

The fact that children can develop varicose veins adds a new worry for parents striving to protect their children's physical and mental health in today's complex world. Contrary to common belief that varicose veins only affect adults this condition can impact children too. Fortunately the likelihood increases with age so only a small percentage of children are at risk. Studies show about 1% of children under 10 and 10-15% of teens especially in high school have varicose veins. Recognizing risk factors, early diagnosis and proper treatment help parents take the best action if faced with this concern.

Causes of Varicose Veins in Children and Teens

You might think varicose veins in children stem from playfulness or excessive jumping but the condition has more serious causes:

• Genetic and Congenital Factors: Abnormalities or defects in the vascular system or venous valves which prevent blood backflow in the legs can be genetic or developmental during fetal growth. Congenital varicose veins or abnormal blood vessel development put children at risk.

• Specific Diseases: Conditions like blood clotting disorders, Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome (affecting blood vessels), venous tumors or vein inflammation make children more susceptible.

• Lifestyle and Nutrition: Insufficient activity, tight clothing (especially shoes or stockings), poor diet with processed foods, sweets, fast food, low fiber, fruits and vegetables contribute. Though children often prefer unhealthy foods, creative cooking can encourage healthier eating.

• Injury or Trauma: Falls, accidents or sports injuries like soccer kicks can cause venous trauma. If you notice pain, heaviness, fatigue, inflammation or bulging veins after injury consult a doctor.

• Obesity: Modern diets and screen time have increased obesity in children and teens. Excess weight pressures veins leading to spider veins or reticular varicose veins due to inflammation.

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts especially in teen girls during puberty affect vein function or valve performance. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone weaken vein walls and reduce elasticity.

• Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Children or teens in activities requiring long standing or sitting risk vein health. Teach them to change positions every 30 minutes for prevention.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins in Childhood and Adolescence

Describing pain or symptoms to parents or doctors can be challenging for children especially since symptoms may be milder and swelling or bulging can change with growth. Symptoms may include:

• Leg pain or discomfort

• Burning or itching

• Muscle cramping or tightness

• Fatigue and heaviness

• Swelling and inflammation

• Bulging, twisted veins

• Skin discoloration

Diagnosing Varicose Veins in Children and Teens

Despite symptoms, precise diagnosis is needed:

• Clinical Exam: A doctor can detect varicose veins through physical examination of the child or teen.

• Doppler Ultrasound: This non-invasive imaging, performed on the skin, assesses blood flow, vein structure and valves. It’s one of the most accurate methods for diagnosing varicose veins in children and teens.

• Blood Tests: A varicose vein specialist may order blood tests to check clotting issues or other underlying conditions.

Treating Varicose Veins in Children and Teens

Fortunately severe varicose veins requiring treatment are rare in children. However treatment must be cautious and by an experienced specialist as children's vascular and venous systems are still developing. Focus on prevention first.

Prevention Varicose Veins in Children and Teens

Prevent varicose veins in children with:

• Healthy diet

• Regular exercise and activity

If you want to know about exercises beneficial for varicose veins in the legs we recommend the article 'The Best Exercises for Varicose Veins in the Legs'.

• Weight control

• Regular check-ups especially for those at higher risk due to factors mentioned.

• Avoiding pressure on leg veins like prolonged standing or sitting or high-impact sports.

• Elevating legs above heart level several times daily

• Appropriate clothing and shoes

• Sunscreen and avoiding prolonged sun exposure especially for infants under 6 months

Treatments Varicose Veins in Childhood and Adolescence

If prevention fails, medical intervention is needed:

Non-Invasive Treatments

• Compression stockings

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

• Lifestyle modifications

• Beneficial activities like walking, swimming or light cycling

Invasive Treatments Varicose Veins

Based on varicose vein type, severity, child's overall condition and age:

• Sclerotherapy: A common treatment injecting a chemical into varicose veins to close and eliminate them.

• Laser Therapy: Uses laser beams to block and remove varicose veins.

• Phlebectomy: Small incisions remove varicose veins. Most surgeons believe removing varicose veins is not ideal for children or young adults.

Psychological and Social Impact of Varicose Veins in Children and Teens

Varicose veins in children can affect mental health and social life just as in adults. Visible leg veins may reduce confidence or lead to social withdrawal due to embarrassment. If severe symptoms like pain, inflammation or ulcers can limit play or activity, impacting emotional well-being over time.

Conclusion

While varicose veins in children are rare, take risk factors and symptoms seriously. For diagnosis and treatment, act promptly and consult an experienced varicose vein specialist.

FAQs

Why does my 4-year-old have spider veins?

Genetics, tight clothing (especially on thighs and calves) and obesity are key causes of spider veins in children.

How to treat spider veins in children or teens?

Surface laser therapy applied through the skin can treat spider veins. For children's sensitive skin use a specialist and appropriate device to avoid burns or spots.

Is varicose veins in children and teens hereditary?

Yes, as noted in the article, genetics is a major cause.

Do varicose veins in childhood or adolescence have complications?

Yes, untreated severe cases can lead to venous ulcers, bleeding or rarely, blood clots.

When do varicose veins start?

Varicose veins typically become more common after age 30 but can start earlier due to genetics, congenital defects, hormonal changes, disease, injury or unhealthy lifestyle.