If you’ve ever felt heaviness, aching, or swelling in your legs, or noticed twisted, bulging veins under your skin, you may be one of the 40 Americans living with varicose veins, according to the Society of Vascular Surgeons. Though often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can signal a more serious underlying problem: venous insufficiency, or poor circulation in the legs.
At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), we make world-class vein care easy and accessible. With over 110 locations nationwide and a 98 percent patient satisfaction rate, our board-certified vein specialists offer minimally invasive treatments with fast recovery times and lasting relief. Don’t wait—get evaluated by the nation’s leader in vein health.
More than just a cosmetic concern, the Cleveland Clinic confirms that untreated varicose veins can lead to complications such as ulcers, bleeding, skin discoloration, or inflammation. Varicose veins can also increase the risk of blood clots, including superficial thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or even pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition that requires immediate care.
This blog answers the most common questions about varicose veins, including what causes them, how to recognize the symptoms, and what treatments can help you feel better and live healthier.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that usually appear on the legs. They develop when the tiny one-way valves inside your veins stop working properly. These valves help push blood back to your heart, fighting gravity. When they weaken or fail, blood pools in the legs, causing pressure to build. Over time, this pressure causes veins to bulge and stretch.
According to an abstract released by the Cleveland Clinic, varicose veins affect 10 to 20 percent of adult men and 25 to 33 percent of adult women.
There are several causes and risk factors for varicose veins, including:
The National Library of Medicine (NIH) notes that while chronic venous insufficiency, the underlying condition behind varicose veins, may be hereditary or lifestyle-related, including obesity, tobacco use, or being aged 55 or older, it’s often a combination of these factors.
❓Do you have questions about the origins of your varicose veins? Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) can help.
Call CVR at 240-965-3915 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Coordinator or schedule an appointment with a CVR vein physician HERE
Imagine life without leg discomfort, swelling, or unsightly veins. At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), we’ve made that possible for thousands of people just like you, offering fast, safe, and minimally invasive vein treatment with real results. Don’t wait another day to feel like yourself again—start your vein health journey now.
While the visual signs, twisted blue or purple veins, are well-known, many people don’t realize that varicose veins can cause uncomfortable symptoms long before they’re visible.
Invisible signs of varicose veins include:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have vein disease, also known as venous insufficiency, and it’s important not to ignore it.
While some people only experience mild symptoms, untreated varicose veins can lead to serious health problems, including:
1. Bleeding
Varicose veins lie close to the surface of the skin and may bleed easily if bumped or scratched. In some cases, bleeding can be heavy.
2. Venous Ulcers
Poor circulation can lead to open wounds on the legs or ankles, commonly referred to as venous ulcers. These are painful, difficult to heal, and prone to infection.
3. Blood Clots
When blood pools in your veins, it can clot. This may lead to superficial thrombophlebitis or a more dangerous condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If a clot travels to the lungs, it can cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
If you're experiencing symptoms of vein disease, early treatment is key to preventing serious complications like ulcers, bleeding, or blood clots. At Center for Vein Restoration, our expert vein specialists can help you take control of your vein health with safe, proven treatments—before problems progress. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward healthier legs and lasting relief.
📞 To speak to a CVR Patient Services Representative, call 240-965-3915
📅 Or book an appointment with CVR online HERE
Modern vein treatment is fast, minimally invasive, and highly effective. You no longer need to undergo painful surgery or long recovery times. Some of the most common procedures include:
A large retrospective cohort study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions found that treating varicose veins with endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) significantly reduced the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) compared to leaving varicose veins untreated.
Most patients can walk out of their appointment and return to normal activities within a day. Some bruising, tightness, or mild discomfort is common and typically resolves within one to two weeks. Your vein doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings for a few days to aid healing.
Avoid soaking in tubs or pools for at least 7–10 days and refrain from heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for a short time. Walking, however, is highly encouraged, as it supports good circulation.
While you can’t control your genetics, you can make choices that support healthy veins and reduce your risk:
The Mayo Clinic advises that these simple habits can help slow progression and improve comfort.
If leg pain, swelling, or bulging veins are slowing you down, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Seeing a vein specialist isn’t just about comfort, it’s about protecting your long-term health.
At Center for Vein Restoration, our board-certified vein doctors use the latest, minimally invasive treatments to help you move freely, feel better, and live with confidence. Join the thousands who’ve reclaimed their quality of life.
Don’t wait any longer. Schedule your personalized vein evaluation today!
📞 Call 240-965-3915 or
💻 Schedule your consultation online
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that most often appear on the legs due to weakened valves and poor blood flow. While they can be unsightly, they’re more than just a cosmetic concern; they may indicate venous insufficiency, a progressive condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Common signs of varicose veins include leg pain, swelling, cramping (especially at night), a heavy or tired feeling in your legs, and visible bulging veins. You may also notice itching, throbbing, or burning sensations around the affected area, even before any veins become visible.
Yes. According to experts like the Cleveland Clinic, untreated varicose veins can lead to ulcers, skin changes, bleeding, and blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism. Early treatment helps prevent these complications and improve your quality of life.
Modern vein treatments are minimally invasive, highly effective, and performed in-office, with little to no downtime. Options include laser or radiofrequency ablation, foam sclerotherapy, and medical adhesives, such as VenaSeal. Most patients resume normal activities the same day and see improvement in symptoms within weeks.
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