Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins (usually in legs) caused by malfunctioning vein valves. When valves weaken:
✔ Blood pools in veins
✔ Veins enlarge and bulge
✔ Symptoms like pain/swelling develop
Who Gets Varicose Veins?
Risk Factors
Age (over 50)
Gender (more common in women)
Pregnancy (increased blood volume)
Obesity
Prolonged standing/sitting
Family history
Symptoms to Watch For
🔹 Visible bulging blue/purple veins
🔹 Leg pain or aching (worse at night)
🔹 Swelling/itching around veins
🔹 Heaviness/fatigue in legs
🔹 Skin discoloration in severe cases
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatments
Treatment
How It Works
Best For
Compression Stockings
Improves blood flow
Mild cases, prevention
Sclerotherapy
Injects solution to collapse veins
Small-medium veins
Laser Therapy
Seals veins with heat
Surface-level veins
Surgical Treatments
Treatment
How It Works
Recovery Time
Endovenous Laser (EVLA)
Laser fiber closes large veins
1-2 days
Vein Stripping
Removes damaged veins
2-4 weeks
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Tiny incisions remove veins
3-7 days
At-Home Management
✅ Elevate legs 15 mins 3x daily
✅ Walk regularly to boost circulation
✅ Avoid long sitting/standing
✅ Maintain healthy weight
When to See a Doctor
Seek a vascular specialist if you have:
⚠️ Severe pain/swelling
⚠️ Skin ulcers/near veins
⚠️ Bleeding veins
Prevention Tips
Exercise (walking, cycling)
Wear compression socks if high-risk
Limit high heels/tight clothing
FAQs
Q: Are varicose veins dangerous?
A: Usually not, but can lead to blood clots or ulcers if severe.
Q: Is treatment covered by insurance?
A: Often yes if medically necessary (not just cosmetic).
Q: Can they come back after treatment?
A: New veins may form, but lifestyle changes reduce risk.
