What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins develop when the one-way valves that keep blood flowing up toward the heart fail, letting blood leak backward and pool so the veins stretch. Guidelines define them as dilated veins under the skin at least 3 mm across (Gloviczki et al., 2011), as opposed to the finer spider veins.
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
What are the symptoms?
- Bluish, bulging veins on the calves or inner thighs
- Legs that feel heavy, swollen or tingly as the day goes on
- Night cramps and itching
- In advanced cases, skin discoloration or ulcers around the ankle
Who gets varicose veins?
| Risk factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Family history | Risk is higher if a parent has them. |
| Standing a lot | Teachers, retail, salon and kitchen workers |
| Female sex and pregnancy | Hormones and abdominal pressure |
| Age and weight | Risk climbs with age and higher weight |
Clinicians grade venous disease from C0 to C6 with the CEAP classification. For another common complaint among people who stand all day, see plantar fasciitis.
How are they diagnosed and treated?
A duplex ultrasound shows reflux in the leg veins directly. In mild cases, medical compression stockings, elevating your legs and walking to work the calf muscles help with symptoms. For large refluxing veins, endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation is recommended over traditional stripping surgery because recovery is faster, and smaller veins can be treated with sclerotherapy (Gloviczki et al., 2011; Raetz et al., 2019).
FAQ
- Do varicose veins go away on their own?
- No, stretched veins don't shrink back by themselves. Lifestyle steps can ease symptoms and slow progression, and procedures are an option if they bother you.
- What if one leg suddenly swells and hurts?
- That can be a deep vein thrombosis, so get seen quickly. Shortness of breath or chest pain is an emergency.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-25
References
- Gloviczki, P., Comerota, A. J., Dalsing, M. C., et al. (2011). The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 53(5 Suppl), 2S–48S.
- Raetz, J., Wilson, M., & Collins, K. (2019). Varicose veins: Diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician, 99(11), 682–688.