What to know about varicose (spider) veins

What causes varicose veins?

Veins have one-way valvesTrusted Source, so blood can travel in only one direction. If the walls of the vein stretch and become less flexible or elastic, these valves may weaken.

A weak valve can allow blood to leak backward and eventually flow in the opposite direction. When this occurs, blood can accumulate in a vein or veins, which then become enlarged and swollen. This usually affectsTrusted Source veins farthest from the heart, such as those in the legs.

Certain lifestyle factors or health conditions may increase the risk of varicose veins.

Risk factors for varicose veins

According to a 2019 article, the following factors may increase the risk of varicose veins:

• a family history of varicose veins
• being female
• older age
• pressure on the abdomen, which may be due to:
  • overweight or obesity
  • pregnancy
  • tumors
  • chronic constipation
• prolonged sitting or standing

Pregnancy and varicose veins

Pregnant people have much more bloodTrusted Source in their bodies, which places extra pressure on the circulatory system.

A 2015 article also highlights that changes in hormone levels can lead to blood vessel wall relaxation. Both these factors may raise the risk of having varicose veins.

As the uterus, or womb, grows, there is more pressure on the veins in the person’s pelvic area. In some cases, the varicose veins may resolve after the pregnancy. However, they may sometimes remain visible.

Symptoms of varicose veins

Varicose veins are twisted and enlarged veins that are 3 millimeters (mm)Trusted Source or more. Symptoms of varicose veins may include:

• swollen veins
• skin discoloration
• skin ulcerations
• heavy or aching legs
• itching
• tenderness
• cramps
• an intolerance to exercise
• tired legs

Complications of varicose veins

In some casesTrusted Source, varicose veins may not be severe enough to require treatment. However, treatment and preventive measures may help reduce the risk of complications in more severe cases.

Complications of varicose veins may includeTrusted Source:

• pain
• venous ulcers
• superficial vein thrombosis
• deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• pulmonary embolism
• varicose eczema
• lipodermatosclerosis, a skin condition that may cause inflammation and other symptoms in the legs

People may also experienceTrusted Source bleeding from their veins.

Some complications of varicose veins, including DVT and pulmonary embolisms, are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment.

Treatment for varicose veins

If someone has no symptoms or discomfort and does not mind the sight of the varicose veins, treatment may notTrusted Source be necessary. These individuals people may be able to get enough relief from home remedies, such as compression stockings.

However, if someone has symptoms that do not improve with home remedies, they may require medical treatment to reduce pain or discomfort or to address and prevent complications.

Some people may also want treatment for varicose veins due to cosmetic reasons.

Medical treatment for varicose veins may involve the following:

• Surgical removal: Doctors may only suggest this option for someone with severe varicose veins. Surgery may involve ligation and stripping, which involves a surgeon tying up and removing the vein.
• Sclerotherapy: A doctor injects a chemical into veins, which creates scars and closes them.
• Ablation: A doctor uses radiofrequency or lasers to close up veins by heating them from the inside.
• Phlebectomy: This procedure allows doctors to remove small veins near the skin. Doctors may combine it with other treatments.

Home remedies for varicose veins

People can try the following measures at home to improve pain and prevent their varicose veins from worsening:

• getting regular exercise
• maintaining a moderate body weight
• regularly raising the legs
• avoiding prolonged standing or sitting
• avoiding restrictive clothing

People may alsoTrusted Source experience symptom relief by taking over-the-counter pain relief and wearing compression stockings on the advice of a doctor.

Compression stockings squeeze a person’s legs and improve circulation. Different types are available, and wearing them every day may benefit people who cannot have surgical treatment for varicose veins.

Many people experience symptom relief when using compression stockings. However, a 2021 review suggests that more research is necessary to understand whether they can be an effective stand-alone and initial treatment or are better than other interventions.

Diagnosing varicose veins

A physical examination by a doctor will helpTrusted Source determine whether or not a person has varicose veins. The person may need to stand while a doctor checks for swelling.

A doctor may also order a Doppler test, also known as a duplex ultrasound. This test may help them grade the severity of a person’s varicose veins.

Doctors may also check for signs of DVT during their diagnosis.

Preventing varicose veins

To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, people can tryTrusted Source the following:

• getting regular exercise
• reaching or maintaining a moderate body weight
• avoiding standing still or sitting for too long
• changing positions frequently when sitting or standing for a long time
• sitting or sleeping with the feet raised on a pillow
• avoiding shoes that limit ankle movement, such as high heels
• quitting or avoiding smoking

Summary

Varicose veins are veins that become too big, swell, and twist. They typically develop when blood cannot flow as effectively. They usually affect the legs and feet but may also occur in other body parts.

In many cases, varicose veins only cause mild discomfort, and people can manage them with home remedies. These approaches include exercising regularly, maintaining a moderate weight, and avoiding sitting or standing for long periods.

If someone has varicose veins, they need to contact a doctor, even if their symptoms are not severe, to avoid serious complications, such as deep vein thrombosis.