When the veins in your legs become enlarged, twisted and clearly visible beneath the skin, they are known as varicose veins. Varicose veins are usually painless, but they can sometimes cause pain, itching or a burning sensation. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

It is important to diagnose varicose veins as early as possible. Early diagnosis may help slow the progression of vein disease and reduce the risk of more serious complications.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins, also known as varices, are enlarged and twisted veins with a diameter of 3 mm or more. They typically appear as bulging, rope-like veins beneath the skin and may sometimes protrude as raised, knot-like veins on the surface of the skin.

Nearly 30% of the world's population develops varicose veins.

The risk is higher in women and increases with age. Other risk factors include excess weight, physical inactivity, maternity and a family history of vein disease.

Varicose veins can develop in any superficial vein in the body, but they most commonly affect the veins in the lower limbs, including the feet, calves and thighs. They may be painful, but they can also occur without causing any symptoms.

Common symptoms include swelling of the feet, ankles or legs, a feeling of heaviness or pressure, pain, restless legs, tired legs, leg cramps and itching.

These symptoms may become worse after long periods of sitting or standing, as blood can pool in the veins and increase venous pressure. Hot weather may also make symptoms more noticeable, so varicose veins can feel more bothersome during the summer.

Why Is Early Diagnosis of Varicose Veins Important?

An early and accurate diagnosis is essential to help prevent the progression of vein disease. If left untreated, varicose veins can affect your quality of life by causing discomfort, pain, leg swelling (edema) and skin changes.

In addition, varicose veins may increase the risk of more serious complications, including thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein associated with a blood clot), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), bleeding varicose veins and venous leg ulcers and other complications.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

In varicose veins, the inner walls of the veins become weakened or damaged, causing the veins to enlarge. As the vein valves no longer close properly, blood flows back toward the feet and pools in the veins

This buildup of blood causes the veins to stretch and twist, resulting in the characteristic appearance of bulging, rope-like veins and sometimes raised, knot-like veins beneath the skin.

Varicose Veins Are Not Just for Older Adults

Younger people with a genetic predisposition can also develop varicose veins. Risk factors such as jobs that involve long periods of standing or sitting, as well as excess weight, may increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins.

Varicose veins also commonly develop during maternity due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the veins. Around 6 in 10 women notice their first varicose veins during pregnancy.

What Can I Do About Varicose Veins?

If you have varicose veins in your legs, you should consult a doctor. They can identify the underlying cause, especially if your varicose veins are causing pain.

Using ultrasound, your doctor can assess blood flow and determine whether the superficial veins or the deep venous system in your legs are affected.

Medical Compression Therapy: The Standard Treatment for Varicose Veins

Medical compression therapy is a simple, drug-free treatment option suitable for most body types. A medical compression garment, such as a sock, stocking or pantyhose, is an elastic textile that applies graduated pressure along the leg to help support venous circulation and the return of blood to the heart.

The elastic material of the medical compression stocking applies the highest pressure at the ankle, with compression gradually decreasing up the leg. This helps support the calf muscle pump, gently compresses the vein walls, promotes blood flow back toward the heart, reduces venous pressure and improves overall circulation.

Many people may notice an improvement when they first wear medical compression garments, including reduced pain and a lighter feeling in the legs. Medical compression therapy also plays an important role in helping to prevent complications.

What Happens If Varicose Veins Are Left Untreated?

If left untreated, varicose veins can progress to more advanced forms of vein disease, such as chronic venous insufficiency, which may lead to:

  • Edema
    Swelling caused by a buildup of fluid beneath the skin and in the surrounding tissues. Venous edema usually develops around the ankle but can also extend to the foot and lower leg.

  • Eczema
    When blood pools in the veins, it can cause inflammation of the skin. Eczema most commonly develops near varicose veins but can occur anywhere on the leg. If left untreated, it may lead to blistering, oozing or scaling of the skin.

  • Hyperpigmentation
    When blood cells leak from the veins into the surrounding tissue, the skin may develop a brownish discoloration. Hyperpigmentation usually appears around the ankle but can also spread to the foot and lower leg.

  • Lipodermatosclerosis (LDS)
    A localized chronic inflammation of the skin and underlying tissue of the lower leg.

  • Atrophie Blanche
    A white, scar-like area of skin, often circular in shape and surrounded by enlarged capillaries. Eczema, hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis and atrophie blanche are all signs of advanced chronic vein disease.

  • Venous Leg Ulcers (Open Leg Wounds)
    A break in the skin, most commonly around the ankle, that does not heal on its own. A venous leg ulcer is one of the most serious signs of advanced chronic venous insufficiency.

Persistent chronic vein disease and varicose veins may also lead to serious complications, including inflamed veins (phlebitis) and the formation of a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), which can potentially result in a pulmonary embolism.

Other Treatment Options

  • Liquid, Foam or Adhesive Sclerotherapy


    An ultrasound-guided procedure in which a liquid, foam or medical adhesive, such as cyanoacrylate, is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and close.

  • Phlebectomy and Vein Stripping


    Surgical removal of varicose veins. Superficial veins are removed through small incisions in a procedure called ambulatory phlebectomy, while larger affected veins may be removed using vein stripping.

  • Endovenous Laser Ablation or Radiofrequency Ablation


    Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a procedure that uses heat energy from a laser or radiofrequency to close affected varicose veins.

1 3

Summary

Varicose veins, also known as varices, are enlarged and twisted veins with a diameter of 3 mm or more. They typically appear as bulging, rope-like veins beneath the skin and may be a sign of underlying vein disease.

Understanding Vein Disease

  • The term chronic vein disease describes a long-term condition in which venous return is impaired.

  • When vein valves do not close properly, reflux occurs. Blood flows downward and pools in the vein, leading to venous hypertension. This condition is known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and can lead to edema, skin changes and, in some cases, venous leg ulcers.

  • If left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to serious complications, including phlebitis and pulmonary embolism. The CEAP classification system is used to classify the different stages and forms of chronic vein disease.

  • Acute vein diseases usually occur without pre-existing vein disease, but they can also develop as a complication of chronic vein disease. In all cases, prompt medical attention is required. Acute vein diseases include superficial thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, post-thrombotic syndrome and bleeding varicose veins.

A Perfect Fit for Your Legs

For medical compression socks to deliver their full benefits, a professional measurement of your legs is essential. This ensures optimal pressure distribution and a perfect fit — for maximum comfort and effective support.

Find a Retailer

You might find this interesting

  • Heavy Legs


    Leg discomfort such as leg pain, a feeling of heaviness and/or tired legs, as well as swollen feet and ankles, can be early signs of vein disease. Medical compression socks can help.

    Read more

  • Spider Veins


    Small veins that are visible through the skin on your legs are called spider veins. Spider veins can be early signs of vein disease. Compression socks may help relieve symptoms and prevent new spider veins from forming.

    Read more

  • Venous Edema


    If your leg continues to increase in size and pressing on the affected area leaves an indentation, you may have edema. Edema can be caused by venous or lymphatic conditions. A doctor should determine the underlying cause and provide the correct diagnosis. Compression therapy is the foundation of edema treatment.

    Read more
1 3