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Varicose Veins

Last Updated November 2023 | This article was created by familydoctor.org editorial staff and reviewed by Deepak S. Patel, MD, FAAFP, FACSM

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are veins that swell above the surface of the skin. They may be twisted and are often blue or dark purple. Varicose veins are mostly found on the legs or feet, but they can be found on the groin. Those that you see are just under the surface of the skin. There are often deeper and larger varicose veins that you can’t see. Hemorrhoids are a form of varicose veins in the rectal area.

Symptoms of varicose veins

Varicose veins can be painful and include several symptoms such as:

  • A feeling of heaviness or tiredness in the legs
  • Aching or throbbing were varicose veins are present
  • Swelling of the feet, ankles, and lower legs that gets worse throughout the day, but goes down overnight or if you elevate your legs (this swelling is called venous stasis)
  • Itchy skin
  • In severe cases, ulcers or blood clots may develop

If you begin to have any of these symptoms, let your doctor know immediately.

Do varicose veins cause dangerous blood clots?

Varicose veins do not increase your risk of dangerous blood clots. These clots form in veins deep inside your legs or arms. They can also form in varicose veins. These can be treated by your doctor with warm compresses or medicines.

What causes varicose veins?

Veins return blood back to the heart so that it can be recirculated to the rest of your body. There are valves in your veins that allow the blood to flow toward the heart. In some people, the valves may stop working correctly (often because the valves have stretched over the years). This can allow blood to flow back down into the veins. Blood then pools in the veins, causing them to swell even more. The veins in your legs are vulnerable because they work against gravity to get the blood back to your heart. This is why most varicose veins are found in the legs.

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

Your doctor often will be able to diagnose varicose veins simply by examining your legs. Other times, your doctor may order tests to look at how well your blood is flowing before diagnosing you.

Can varicose veins be prevented or avoided?

Some people are more at risk for developing varicose veins. Risk factors include:

  • Genetics: Varicose veins tend to run in families.
  • Gender: Women are at greater risk of developing varicose veins.
  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes, pressure from the uterus, and increased blood volume make varicose veins common during pregnancy.
  • Age: The risk for varicose veins increases with age. About 50% of people over the age of 50 have varicose veins.
  • Obesity: Being overweight puts additional pressure on your veins.
  • Job: If your work means you must stand for long periods of time without moving around, you are more likely to get varicose veins.

There are several things you can do at home to improve the symptoms of varicose veins:

  • Lose weight, if you are overweight.
  • Avoid standing for long periods of time.
  • Raise your legs while you are sitting. If possible, keep them above the level of your heart.
  • Wear loose clothing.

Varicose vein treatment

Your doctor may recommend that you wear compression stockings. These are stockings that provide gentle, consistent pressure. This will help keep blood from pooling in your legs and reduce swelling from venous stasis when you are sitting or standing. Compression stockings can be found at pharmacies and medical supply stores.

If your symptoms don’t get any better with at-home care, or if you don’t like the way varicose veins look, there are more invasive treatment options available. These include surgery, laser therapy, and injection therapy. Your doctor can recommend which procedure would be the best option for you.

Living with varicose veins

If you have varicose veins, know that you aren’t alone. It’s a common condition, especially among women. If you do not like the way your legs look because of varicose veins, you can opt for treatments that should cause the vein to fade or even disappear.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What is the likely cause of my varicose veins?
  • Will varicose veins go away with treatment?
  • What lifestyle changes can I make to help get rid of varicose veins?
  • What other treatment options are available?
  • Do varicose veins put me at risk for any long-term problems or other conditions?

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