Worry about varicose veins when they cause ongoing pain, swelling, skin changes or a sore that won’t heal. Sudden swelling or pain in one leg needs a same-day check for a blood clot. Call 911 for chest pain, sudden trouble breathing, or bleeding from a vein that won’t stop.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins just under the skin. Veins have one-way valves that keep blood moving toward the heart. When these valves don’t close properly, blood can flow backward and pool, which makes the veins swell. Varicose veins can appear in any part of the body, but they occur mostly in the legs and feet. For more on symptoms and treatment, see our varicose veins page.
Some common signs of varicose veins are:
Bulging veins that are blue or purple in color
Swollen, achy legs with a heavy feeling
Muscle cramps in your legs
Itchy, dry, or thin skin over the varicose veins
Restless legs or legs that feel tingly or numb
Painful throbbing or burning sensation
Numbness, tingling and restless legs can have other causes, so ask a doctor instead of assuming your veins are the reason.
What raises the risk of varicose veins?
Several factors can lead to varicose veins, including:
Genetics
Having a family history of varicose veins increases your risk of developing this condition.
Age
The risk goes up with age as veins lose some of their stretch, but not everyone gets varicose veins.
Gender
Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins due to hormonal changes and pregnancy.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese puts pressure on your veins and increases your risk of developing varicose veins.
Standing or sitting for long periods of time
Standing or sitting for prolonged periods, especially long work hours, also puts pressure on the veins.
How are varicose veins different from spider veins?
Spider veins are small, thin veins close to the skin. They are usually a cosmetic concern, but they sometimes burn, itch or bleed. Varicose veins are larger and are more likely to cause symptoms or problems over time. Read our full comparison of varicose veins and spider veins.
Which varicose vein symptoms should be checked?
Ongoing symptoms to get checked
Varicose veins may cause itching, aching, throbbing or a heavy feeling in the legs. If these symptoms keep coming back, make an appointment. Swelling or darker skin around the ankle should also be checked. Some people go on to develop thick skin, eczema or a sore that won’t heal, but varicose veins do not always get worse.
Leg swelling and skin discoloration are reasons to get your veins checked.
When do varicose veins need urgent care?
Get checked the same day
Most varicose veins are not an emergency. Get checked the same day if you notice any of these, because they can be signs of a blood clot:
New or sudden pain and swelling, especially in one leg
Sudden swelling or redness around a vein
Skin over a vein that is warm, tender or sore
A vein that feels hard, lumpy or like a cord under the skin
When should you call 911?
Call 911 for sudden trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood or fainting. These can be signs of a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that has traveled to the lungs.
If a varicose vein bleeds, lie down, raise your leg and press firmly on the spot with a clean cloth. Call 911 if the bleeding is heavy, doesn’t stop with pressure, or you feel faint. See a doctor soon even if it stops, because it can happen again.
What helps mild varicose vein symptoms?
Compression socks
Compression stockings may ease aching and swelling. Ask your doctor which strength and fit are right for you, and don’t use them in place of getting new symptoms checked.
Lifestyle changes
Walking, staying active and taking breaks from long periods of sitting or standing can ease symptoms. Losing extra weight may also help.
Elevate your legs
Raising your legs above the level of your heart while you rest can ease swelling and aching. Whether you’re sitting or lying down, find a comfortable position and prop your legs up on a pillow or other cushion.
When should you talk to a doctor about vein treatment?
If varicose veins cause ongoing symptoms that affect your daily life, a vein checkup with a duplex ultrasound is the first step. This test uses sound waves to show blood flow and which veins are causing the problem. Treatment choices depend on your symptoms, exam and ultrasound results. Learn more about varicose vein treatment at MIMIT Health. Common treatments include:
Sclerotherapy
This involves injecting a solution into the affected vein to seal the vein shut, redirecting the blood into healthier veins.
Varithena
Varithena is an FDA-approved foam form of sclerotherapy used for certain varicose veins. The foam closes the treated vein, and the body slowly absorbs it. It may ease symptoms and improve how the veins look, but results vary.
Laser and radiofrequency ablation
These treatments use heat from a thin tube placed inside the vein to close it, so blood flows through healthier veins instead. MIMIT Health offers both.
Varicose Vein FAQs
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“Internal varicose veins” is not a medical diagnosis. People use the phrase for enlarged veins that can’t be seen through the skin, such as veins deeper in the leg or in the pelvis. A doctor finds them with an ultrasound, not by looking. Pain or swelling from hidden veins should be checked, and the phrase is not another name for a blood clot.
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A bleeding varicose vein needs firm pressure right away. Lie down, raise the leg and press on the bleeding spot with a clean cloth. Call 911 if the bleeding is heavy, doesn’t stop with pressure, or you feel faint. Even if the bleeding stops, see a doctor soon, because it can happen again.
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Doctors check varicose veins by asking about your symptoms, examining your legs and usually ordering a duplex ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to show blood flow, vein valves and any clots. The results show which veins are causing symptoms and help guide treatment. How veins look on the surface does not show the full picture.
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Varicose veins that don’t hurt usually don’t need a procedure. If you have no swelling, skin changes or bleeding, watching them and simple self-care may be enough. Treating veins only to stop them from getting worse has not been shown to work in people without symptoms. Get them checked if symptoms or skin changes start.