varicose veins risks and benefits for patients

Overview

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the surface of the skin. They usually appear in the legs and can cause aching, heaviness, or discomfort. They happen when the tiny valves inside your veins stop working properly, allowing blood to pool and stretch the vein walls.

Yes, varicose veins are very common. About 1 in 3 adults may have them at some point in their lives. They become more common as you get older.

Varicose veins affect women more often than men. You are more likely to get them if you are older, have a family history of varicose veins, are overweight, or spend long periods standing or sitting. Pregnancy can also increase your risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Bulging, blue or dark purple veins that look twisted and rope-like
• Aching, heavy, or tired feeling in your legs, especially after standing or sitting
• Swelling in your lower legs and ankles
• Itching or burning around the veins
• Cramping or restless legs at night

Symptoms in children

• Varicose veins are very rare in children. If a child has swollen leg veins, it may be due to another condition and should be checked by a doctor.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults can have more severe symptoms, such as skin changes (redness, dryness, thinning), leg ulcers (sores that heal slowly), or bleeding from a vein.
• The risk of blood clots also increases with age.

Causes

Main causes

• Weakened or damaged valves inside your leg veins. Normally these valves keep blood flowing toward your heart, but when they fail, blood pools and the vein stretches.
• Weak vein walls that allow the vein to expand and lose its shape.

Risk factors

• Getting older
• Being female (hormonal changes, pregnancy)
• Pregnancy (extra blood volume and pressure on leg veins)
• Family history of varicose veins
• Obesity or excess weight
• Standing or sitting for long periods without moving
• Lack of regular exercise

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden leg swelling, redness, warmth, and pain (possible blood clot).
• If a vein is bleeding and you cannot control it with pressure.
• If you develop an open sore or ulcer on your leg.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your varicose veins cause regular pain, heaviness, or swelling that bothers you.
• If you are worried about the appearance of your veins.
• If you have skin changes like thinning, discoloration, or itching around the veins.

Diagnosis

A doctor can often diagnose varicose veins by looking at your legs while you are standing and asking about your symptoms. They may also use a simple painless ultrasound test to see how blood flows in your veins.

Tests that may be done

• Physical exam of your legs, feeling for swollen veins and checking for swelling or skin changes.
• Venous ultrasound (duplex ultrasound) – uses sound waves to look at blood flow and check if your vein valves are working.

What to expect at your appointment

During the ultrasound, you will lie down or stand while a technician moves a small device over your skin. The test is painless and takes about 30 minutes. The results help your doctor decide if treatment is needed.

Treatment

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the look of your veins. Many people find relief with simple self-care. If symptoms are severe or cause problems, your doctor may recommend medical procedures.

Self-care at home

• Exercise regularly, especially walking or calf exercises to help pump blood out of your legs.
• Elevate your legs above heart level for 15-30 minutes several times a day.
• Wear compression stockings (graded elastic stockings) to help blood flow.
• Avoid standing or sitting for long stretches – take breaks to move around.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your veins.

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, doctors may suggest treatments such as sclerotherapy (injecting a solution into the vein to close it), laser or radiofrequency ablation (using heat to seal the vein from inside), or surgery (vein stripping or phlebectomy – removing the vein through small cuts). These are usually done as outpatient procedures with local or general anesthesia.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually considered when varicose veins cause severe symptoms, complications like skin ulcers or bleeding, or when other treatments have not worked. Your doctor will discuss which option is best for you.

Living with this condition

Most people with varicose veins manage them with simple daily habits. You can still work, exercise, and enjoy normal activities. Compression stockings may become part of your routine. Many treatments are available if symptoms worsen.

Lifestyle tips

• Walk or move around every 30 minutes if you have a desk job or sit a lot.
• Avoid tight clothing that restricts blood flow in your legs or waist.
• When resting or sleeping, try to keep your legs slightly elevated.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fiber and low in salt can help reduce swelling. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may also support vein health. Regular exercise, especially walking, swimming, or cycling, helps keep your blood moving and strengthens your calf muscles.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Varicose veins can affect how you feel about your legs, especially if they are very noticeable. It is normal to feel self-conscious or frustrated. Talking to a healthcare provider about treatment options or joining a support group can help.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent varicose veins, especially if you have a family history. But you can lower your risk by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding long periods of standing or sitting, and wearing compression stockings if recommended by your doctor.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for varicose veins. However, if you have a strong family history or risk factors, you can ask your doctor to check your legs during a regular visit.

Complications

If left untreated

• Leg ulcers (open sores) that may be slow to heal.
• Thrombophlebitis (inflammation and blood clots in a superficial vein, causing pain and redness).
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a blood clot in a deep leg vein, which can be serious if it travels to the lungs.
• Bleeding from a varicose vein that may be difficult to stop.
• Lipodermatosclerosis (hardening and tightening of the skin around the vein).

Long-term outlook

For most people, varicose veins do not cause serious problems. With proper management and treatment if needed, symptoms can be controlled and complications avoided. Many treatments are effective and give long-lasting results.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.