Medically reviewed by David H. Feng, MD, on December 23, 2024
When considering our health, we often prioritize diet and exercise, but the condition of our veins is equally important. Varicose veins—those swollen, twisted vessels typically found on the legs and feet—are more than a cosmetic concern; they can indicate underlying issues with blood circulation and overall vein health.
For this article, we consulted with Dr. David Feng, lead vein physician in Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinics in Lakewood, New Jersey, Northfield, New Jersey, and Wayne, Pennsylvania. Dr. Feng is highly experienced in venous insufficiency. He clarifies the process of varicose vein formation before discussing various treatment methods.
Understanding why varicose veins form is essential for recognizing potential health risks and taking proactive steps toward better vein care. It can also help preserve vein health and address any issues as soon as they arise. Keep reading as we shed light on how varicose veins form, what causes them, and why it’s essential to maintain healthy veins.
Meanwhile, if you’re battling the potentially debilitating effects of chronic venous insufficiency, we’re here to help. Contact a board-certified Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) physician to discuss the best treatment option for your needs. Our caring team members are proud to guide you as you take your venous health into your own hands.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule a consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging veins that can be seen just beneath the skin. They usually appear as dark purple or blue lines and can look like cords or tree branches. While they are often associated with cosmetic concerns, varicose veins can also indicate underlying circulation problems.
That said, even if your varicose veins appear solely cosmetic, they can quickly become physically uncomfortable or develop severe complications, such as skin ulcers, blood clots, or bleeding if left untreated. If you experience any symptoms, consult your expert CVR physician for early detection and management.
Veins have the critical job of carrying blood back to the heart with the help of one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. Healthy veins move blood smoothly from the lower body back to the heart. However, when their valves weaken or become damaged, blood can pool in the veins rather than move efficiently. This pooling increases pressure, causing the veins to stretch and become varicose.
Several factors can weaken the valves in the veins, causing improper circulation and the formation of spider and varicose veins. Understanding the main risk factors for varicose veins also sheds light on how they can be prevented. Keep reading as we break down some primary causes and risk factors.
Older adults are more likely to develop varicose veins due to loss of elasticity in their blood vessels.
According to the Better Health Channel, if your family members have varicose veins, your risk of developing them may also be higher.
Women are at greater risk of developing varicose veins, usually due to hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
Extra weight can add strain to the veins, particularly in the legs.
Not getting enough physical activity can impede circulation, increasing the risk of blood pooling in the legs.
Activities and professions that require long periods of being stationary can increase pressure in the leg veins.
Overall, varicose veins develop primarily due to a combination of influences such as advanced age, lifestyle, genetics, and hormones. By being aware of these risk factors, you can make lifestyle changes to reduce your chances of developing varicose veins. Simple actions, such as getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and making other changes to your day-to-day life, can significantly improve your vein health, especially when coupled with vein care with a board-certified vein specialist.
Keep reading as we dig further into prevention and treatment methods.
While keeping clothing choice in mind, elevating your legs throughout the day, staying hydrated, limiting prolonged sitting or standing, and staying active may help prevent varicose veins and maintain healthy circulation, several effective and minimally invasive strategies have surfaced to reduce the appearance and physical symptoms of conditions involving chronic venous insufficiency.
First, remember that treatment for varicose veins typically varies depending on their severity. For milder cases, lifestyle modifications may work as a first line of defense. For example, purchase and wear a pair of medical-grade compression stockings. These specially designed stockings apply pressure to your legs at a graded pressure level starting from the ankle to the knee, improving circulation and reducing swelling. These may be recommended after certain surgical procedures, as well, according to the NIH:
“Your healthcare provider may recommend compression therapy alone or, more likely, after a procedure to remove or close off varicose veins. Compression therapy involves special elastic stockings or compression bandages that put gentle pressure on the legs to help prevent swelling…After you have a procedure to remove or close off your varicose veins, your provider will probably recommend wearing compression stockings for at least a week. Compression stockings may also help heal leg ulcers or sores that are a complication of varicose veins. Because vein problems are long-term issues, your provider may suggest that you continue to wear compression stockings.” –National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)
But more advanced cases of spider and varicose veins may be treated through professional methods including:
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the varicose veins, causing them to collapse and gradually fade from view.
Laser treatments utilize focused light energy to treat smaller veins, while radiofrequency ablation uses heat to close larger veins. Both offer another minimally invasive option with a quick recovery period.
Did you know? CVR’s varicose vein treatments are performed in an hour or less with few restrictions, allowing patients to return to their typical routine immediately without staples or stitches.
Understanding how varicose veins form empowers you to take control of your vein health. Recognizing the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options associated with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency enables you to make informed decisions that contribute to your overall comfort and well-being.
Interested in learning more? Let CVR help. Take your venous health into your own hands and get the relief you’ve been waiting for. Call 240-965-3915 or click here to book your consultation immediately with a board-certified CVR vein expert.
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