What are the Early Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

Medically reviewed by Ki Jung, DO, on August 22, 2025

Understanding the Warning Signs of Vein Disease and When it’s Time to Take Action.

Varicose veins are often thought of as just a cosmetic issue: bulging, twisted veins that you can see through the skin. But in reality, they’re a visible sign of something deeper: chronic venous insufficiency, a progressive vein disease that affects how blood flows through your legs.

The good news? Catching vein problems early can make a huge difference. You may be able to stop the progression of venous disease before it leads to painful complications. This blog will help you recognize the early symptoms of varicose veins, understand what causes varicose veins, and know when to see a vein specialist.

For this blog, we consulted Dr. Ki Jung, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration vein clinic in Wilmington, Delaware. 

📍Schedule your consultation with Dr. Jung in Wilmington, Delaware: Call 240-965-3915  to speak with a Patient Services Representative or BOOK ONLINE TODAY.

📅 To schedule a consultation at any of CVR’s other 120 vein clinics nationwide, click the link below ⬇️

What Causes Varicose Veins?

First, let's define what veins are. Veins are blood vessels, an essential part of the circulatory system responsible for carrying blood back to the heart. In the legs, this is an uphill battle against gravity. Healthy veins rely on one-way valves and calf muscle contractions to keep blood moving in the right direction. When the valves weaken, due to age, genetics, pregnancy, or prolonged sitting or standing, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to stretch and bulge.

This is how varicose veins form.

Women are more likely to develop varicose veins due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause. Obesity, lack of exercise, and a family history of vein disease also increase your risk. According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, about 40 percent of Americans are affected by chronic venous insufficiency, which includes varicose veins and spider veins. WebMD notes that venous insufficiency affects over 33 million U.S. adults between the ages of 40 and 80. Each year, more than 20,000 people are diagnosed with leg ulcers caused by advanced CVI.

Your Legs Are Talking. Are You Listening?
Aching, itching, restless legs. Swelling that worsens by the end of the day. Visible veins that weren’t there a year ago. These aren’t just annoyances, they’re warning signs. At Center for Vein Restoration, our vein doctors specialize in identifying and treating vein problems before they become serious. Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward healthier circulation.

📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915 
📅 Or book online HERE

Early Warning Signs of Vein Problems

Venous insufficiency often begins with subtle, easy-to-ignore symptoms—so mild that many people delay seeking care until the signs become painful, unsightly, and impossible to ignore. Because you’re reading this, you know to act early, before varicose veins progress to painful complications like venous ulcers or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Don’t have to wait until your veins are visibly bulging to take action! Here’s what to look for:

1. Leg Swelling
Mild swelling in the ankles, feet, or calves, especially after standing for long periods, can signal poor circulation. This swelling may go down after you elevate your legs.

2. Tired, Heavy Legs
If your legs feel heavy or fatigued at the end of the day, even without exercise, it may be an early sign of vein disease. This sensation often worsens in warm weather or after long periods of sitting or standing.

3. Cramping or Aching
Some people experience nighttime leg cramps, dull aching, or throbbing pain in the lower legs. These symptoms may be due to blood pooling in your veins.

4. Itching or Burning Sensation
Do your legs itch for no reason? Do you notice a burning feeling near your ankles or calves? This could be a sign of inflammation in the superficial veins.

5. Visible Veins
Tiny red or purple spider veins or reticular veins (flat blue veins just under the skin) may appear before larger varicose veins. These small veins can be a warning sign that deeper vein issues are brewing.

6. Skin Changes
Over time, venous insufficiency can cause skin discoloration, especially around the ankles. The skin may become dry, itchy, or leathery. In advanced stages, it can lead to open sores called venous ulcers.

The National Library of Medicine notes that chronic venous insufficiency is far more serious than most people realize, with long-term health risks that can significantly impact quality of life and lead to costly, recurring complications:

“CVI is not a benign disorder and carries enormous morbidity. Without correction, the condition is progressive. Venous ulcers are common and very difficult to treat. Chronic venous ulcers are painful and debilitating. Even with treatment, recurrences are common if venous hypertension persists. Nearly 60% develop phlebitis, which often progresses to deep vein thrombosis in more than 50% of patients…. The financial cost of care to the patient can also be enormous.”

That’s why early diagnosis and treatment matter for vein health.

👉 Book your consultation with a CVR vein specialist today and discover how simple relief can be.

What Does Varicose Vein Pain Feel Like?

Varicose vein pain can vary from person to person. It’s not always sharp or sudden. The discomfort is often more of a dull, persistent ache or heaviness.

Here’s how people typically describe the pain:

• Aching or throbbing in the legs, especially after standing.
• Cramping or “charley horses” at night.
• A feeling of pressure or fullness, particularly in the calves.
• Burning, tingling, or restlessness that makes it hard to stay still.
• Pain that improves with elevation or wearing compression stockings.

The discomfort from varicose veins may worsen throughout the day and improve after a night of rest. 

Stop Guessing. Start Healing.
If your legs are swollen, heavy, painful, or marked by spider veins or bulging varicose veins, don’t assume it’s just part of aging. These could be early signs of venous insufficiency, a condition that only gets worse without proper treatment. At Center for Vein Restoration, our board-certified vein specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to get to the root of your vein problems. Stop guessing! Schedule an appointment today and get the answers you deserve.

📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915 
📅 Or book online HERE

CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Ignoring early signs of vein disease may lead to more severe problems later. Chronic swelling can cause skin breakdown and wounds that are hard to heal. Blood clots may form in damaged veins. In some cases, advanced venous disease can affect your ability to walk or stay active.

Fortunately, today’s minimally invasive outpatient vein treatments are highly effective. Options include:

• Sclerotherapy for spider veins and smaller varicose veins.
• Laser or radiofrequency ablation to close off damaged veins.
• Ambulatory phlebectomy to remove larger veins through tiny incisions.

These procedures are done in a vein center setting, usually in less than an hour, with little to no downtime. Patients go back to their routine immediately, with few restrictions. 

Can You Prevent Varicose Veins?

While you can’t always prevent vein disease (especially if it runs in your family), there are things you can do to lower your risk and improve circulation:

• Stay active. Walking and calf raises improve blood flow.
• Elevate your legs. Raise them above heart level when resting.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Extra pounds increase pressure on leg veins.
• Wear compression stockings. These can support vein function.
• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Move around every 30 minutes.

Remember: Lifestyle changes won’t cure existing varicose veins, but they can slow disease progression and improve outcomes after treatment. 

When to See a Vein Doctor

If you’re experiencing any of the early signs mentioned above, including leg pain, swelling, visible veins, or unexplained skin changes, it’s time to talk to a vein expert. The earlier you get evaluated, the better your chances of avoiding complications and feeling your best.

At Center for Vein Restoration, our vein doctors are board-certified specialists who offer personalized, compassionate care. With over 120 locations nationwide, we make it easy to get the answers and vein treatment you need.

👉 Find a CVR location Near You

Take the First Step Toward Healthier Legs
If you're experiencing discomfort, swelling, or changes in your skin or veins, don’t ignore it. Schedule a consultation with a board-certified center for Vein Restoration vein specialist and learn how you can prevent your symptoms from progressing.

Healthy legs start with expert care. Find a CVR vein center near you and take the first step toward comfortable legs today.
📞 Call to Schedule an Appointment: 240-965-3915, or Schedule Below ⬇️