Varicose veinsare enlarged, dark-colored veins that have a twisting, cord-like appearance.
They form when the valves inside the affected veins weaken, a process that often occurs with normal aging.
Between 30% and 50% of adults develop varicose veins, typically in the lower legs.
Azat_ajphotos / Getty Images
While they can produce an unwanted appearance, they rarely cause health issues.
Did You Know?
Varicose veins can appear anywhere in the body, not just the legs.
In fact,hemorrhoidsandvaricoceleare types of varicose veins.
Varicose Veins Symptoms
it’s possible for you to have one or several varicose veins.
They might not all be the same exact size or have the same appearance.
They may remain stable or become larger and/or increase in number with time.
Common symptoms of varicose veins include:
Generally, varicose veins appear in the legs.
They can also develop on other parts of the body, but this is less common.
Touching them is not dangerous or harmful.
Pain is not necessarily correlated with the size of a varicose vein.
However, when complications develop, they require medical or surgical intervention.
If left untreated, they can lead to serious issues.
It is important to get medical attention if you develop signs of medical issues associated with your varicose veins.
Because varicose veins can impact your circulation, you could also develop numbness, tingling, or burning sensations.
Recap
Varicose veins can be blue, purple, or pink in color.
They bulge and may be tender.
Causes
Varicose veins develop when valves inside veins weaken or damaged.
There are two types of major blood vessels in the body: arteries and veins.
Each plays a role in the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide as part of the respiration process.
This is what causes the bulging appearance of varicose veins.
Varicose veins are more common in women than men.
Contrary to what you may have heard, crossing your legs does not cause varicose veins.
These issues can raise the risk of infection, bleeding, or blood clots in your varicose veins.
Varicose veins usually don’t cause symptoms by themselves.
Physical Examination
The diagnosis process will include a physical examination.
Diagnostic Tests
A healthcare provider may order tests to help with the diagnosis.
A duplex ultrasound may be ordered.
This may show elevated white blood cells, which is a sign of an infection.
Differential Diagnosis
The following medical problems can mimic varicose veins.
A DVT can be diagnosed with vascular ultrasound.
They usually require treatment, often with blood thinners.
This may cause pain, a burning sensation, or a loss of sensation in the affected areas.
Peripheral neuropathy and painful varicose veins can be distinguished based on a physical exam.
Varicose veins don’t cause the change in sensation that peripheral neuropathy does.
Peripheral neuropathy may also result in infections and wounds that dont heal.
These issues can be initially confused with an infected or painful varicose vein.
If you have both conditions, it may be difficult to determine which of them is causing these symptoms.
This is not usually a dangerous condition, but it can cause swelling of the arms and legs.
Varicose veins are a symptom of vascular insufficiency.
Your veins may become prominent, and the swelling can be confused with swelling of varicose veins.
However, CHF can also cause fatigue and shortness of breath, which are not characteristic of varicose veins.
Heart tests, like anelectrocardiogram (EKG)orechocardiogram, can identify heart failure.
In most cases, your healthcare provider will diagnose your varicose veins by their appearance during a physical exam.
In many cases,varicose veins are treatedfor cosmetic reasons or if complications develop.
Lifestyle Approaches
Sometimes lifestyle strategies can help make varicose veins appear smaller and less prominent.
However, they are more likely to be successful for prevention than treatment.
Compression stockings fit snugly and squeeze the leg.
This helps move blood up through the veins toward the heart, preventing pooling.
Can Massage Get Rid of Varicose Veins?
Massage will not eliminate varicose veins, but it may ease swelling and discomfort.
The right approach for you depends on where your varicose veins are located and how big they are.
Medication is one option.
Afterward, blood flow to the heart from the limb where the procedure was performed continues through other veins.
Sclerotherapy:This approach uses an injected foam solution to seal off the varicose vein.
Radiotherapy:For this procedure, your healthcare provider will use ultrasound to guide a catheter into the vein.
Heat will then be applied to damage the vein, leading to scar tissue.
The light shrinks the enlarged vein and causes scar tissue to form.
Ligation and vein stripping:Your healthcare provider will surgically tie off (ligate) the varicose vein.
Larger veins may also be stripped (removed through an incision).
This is usually done along with another procedure, if done at all.
Treatment of Complications
Aching pain associated with varicose veins may improve with over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines.
If you develop serious complications like infections or clots, you will need urgent evaluation and treatment.
An infection may need to be treated with antibiotic medication and/or surgery.
Blood clots may be treated with blood thinner medication and/or surgery.
Talk to your healthcare provider about what options are best for you.
Sometimes, simple lifestyle changes can help.
In other cases, medication or surgery may be needed.
Summary
Nearly half of all adults experience varicose veins.
Simple lifestyle changeslike exercise, losing weight, and wearing compression stockingscan help make your varicose veins appear smaller.
Your healthcare provider can also help you identify procedures that can make them go away or minimize their appearance.
Cleveland Clinic.Varicose Veins & Spider Veins.
Reviewed July 19, 2019.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Varicose veins.
Raetz J, Wilson M, Collins K.Varicose veins: Diagnosis and treatment.Am Fam Physician.
2019;99(11):682-688.
Health Essentials.Varicose Veins: 7 Myths You Shouldn’t Believe.
2019;16(11):931-940. doi:10.1080/17434440.2019.1682549
Cleveland Clinic.Deep vein thrombosis.Reviewed July 18, 2019.
Cleveland Clinic.Neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy).
Reviewed December 16, 2019.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Chronic venous insufficiency.
Cleveland Clinic.Heart failure: Understanding heart failure.
Cleveland Clinic.What you should know about compression socks.
October 19, 2020.
American Academy of Dermatology.Leg veins: Why they appear and how dermatologists treat them.
