How Does Heat Affect Varicose Veins?

Summer’s warm, sunny days are perfect for beach trips, outdoor adventures, and backyard barbecues—but rising temperatures can spell trouble for people with varicose veins. Heat causes veins to dilate, which can worsen leg swelling, vein pain, and the visible bulging of varicose veins.

That’s where the vein experts at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) come in. We’re the largest physician-led vein center in the nation.

You're not alone if you experience heavy legs, throbbing, or discomfort in the heat. Understanding the connection between hot weather and varicose vein symptoms can help you manage your vein health and stay active, comfortable, and confident all summer long.

CVR offers state-of-the-art outpatient vein treatments that are minimally invasive, highly effective, and tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're dealing with painful varicose veins, leg swelling, or chronic venous insufficiency, CVR’s board-certified vein specialists are here to help you feel better, look better, and get back to enjoying summer, without discomfort.

📞 Call CVR at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE

Why Heat Makes Varicose Veins Worse

In hot weather, the body cools itself through vasodilation, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, is the widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow. This natural process generally plays a helpful role in the body by improving circulation and ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach your tissues. However, it can have negative effects in certain situations, such as causing blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels.

For individuals with varicose veins, this process can cause already swollen veins to enlarge further, leading to increased leg swelling, pain, and the risk of serious vein health complications.

Moreover, according to global pharmaceutical company Servier, heat-induced vasodilation can intensify inflammation and increase the risk of valve obstruction in the veins, exacerbating venous insufficiency.

Therefore, managing heat exposure is crucial for individuals with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), the root cause of varicose veins, to prevent symptom aggravation and potential complications.

Trust Center for Vein Restoration to get you back to summer fun, fast!

Don’t let the heat keep you from living your best life. Discover lasting relief and renewed comfort by scheduling a consultation with a vein specialist at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR). With over 110 locations nationwide, our board-certified vein doctors can help you find lasting solutions for varicose veins.

Common Symptoms Worsened by Heat

If you have varicose veins, you might notice the following symptoms get worse in the heat:

• Leg swelling
• Throbbing or aching pain
• Heaviness in the legs
• Skin discoloration
• Restless legs
• Itching or burning sensations

Tips for Managing Varicose Veins in Hot Weather

While the heat can worsen varicose vein symptoms, there are steps you can take to protect your vein health during the summer:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Dehydration can thicken your blood, making it harder for your veins to pump it back to the heart, worsening symptoms.
2. Elevate Your Legs: Raising your legs above your heart for 15-20 minutes a few times a day can help blood flow back to your heart and reduce pressure in your veins.
3. Wear Compression Stockings: These specially designed garments apply gentle, graduated pressure to your legs, with the highest pressure at the ankle and gradually less toward the thigh. This helps push blood upward toward the heart, preventing it from pooling in the lower legs, which is a common issue in people with varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency.
4. Stay Cool: Use fans, air conditioning, or cold compresses to maintain your body temperature and reduce vein swelling. Cold can cause veins to constrict, helping valves work more efficiently.
5. Exercise Regularly: Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or cycling can boost circulation without putting too much pressure on your veins. Exercise also helps strengthen calf muscles, which act as secondary pumps for your veins.

Hot Ankles? It Could Be a Sign of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

A study reported by the Journal of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing examined lower leg skin temperatures in adults aged 50 and older, comparing individuals with stage 4 or 5 chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) to those without any signs of the condition. Using an infrared dermal thermometer, researchers found that participants with CVI had significantly higher skin temperatures around the ankle area compared to those without CVI (89.9°F vs. 88.1°F, P = .004).

These findings suggest that elevated skin temperature may serve as an early indicator of worsening CVI or impending complications like venous ulcers.

When to Seek the Help of a Vein Specialist

If your varicose veins are causing persistent pain, swelling, or skin changes, it’s time to explore your treatment options. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe vein problems, including skin ulcers or blood clots. Take the next step toward lasting comfort and schedule a consultation at the Center for Vein Restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Effect of Heat on Veins

1. Why do varicose vein symptoms get worse in hot weather?
Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, a process known as vasodilation. For individuals with varicose veins, this can result in increased swelling, heaviness, and discomfort as blood pools more easily in the legs.

2. What are the most common varicose vein symptoms that worsen in the summer?
In warmer months, you may experience increased leg swelling, aching or throbbing pain, heaviness, skin discoloration, itching, or burning—especially after long periods of standing or being in the heat.

3. How can I protect my vein health during the summer?
To manage symptoms, stay hydrated, wear compression stockings, elevate your legs, keep cool with fans or cold compresses, and engage in low-impact exercises like walking or swimming.

4. Can hot weather make chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) worse over time?
Yes. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to permanent damage in vein walls, worsening CVI, and increasing the risk of complications like ulcers and blood clots.

5. When should I see a vein specialist about summer-related vein discomfort?
If you're experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or visible skin changes, it’s time to consult a board-certified vein expert. Early treatment can prevent complications and help you stay active and comfortable year-round.

Center for Vein Restoration is America’s largest physician-led vein center. With a 98 percent patient satisfaction rate and 110+ vein clinics nationwide, there is sure to be a CVR vein center near you!

📞 Call CVR at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE