What Are the Main Causes of Varicose Veins?

Medically reviewed by Mark A. Edelman, MD, DABVLM, on December 10, 2025

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear on the legs and feet. They form when the small valves inside your veins malfunction, allowing blood to pool and increasing pressure. Over time, this causes veins to stretch and become visible under the skin.

Understanding what contributes to varicose veins can help you protect your vein health and recognize early warning signs. In this blog, Mark Edelman, MD, DABVLM, lead vein physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinics in Norwalk, Connecticut, and Stamford, Connecticut, explains the main factors behind varicose veins, what you can do to prevent them, and how modern treatments can restore comfort and confidence.

If you’ve noticed bulging veins, aching legs, or swelling around your ankles, the board-certified physicians at CVR offer safe, minimally invasive vein treatments that fit your lifestyle. Schedule your consultation today to learn how simple treatment can make a lasting difference.

📅To book a consultation with Dr. Edelman in Norwalk, CT, CLICK HERE.
📅To book a consultation with Dr. Edelman in Stamford, CT, CLICK HERE.
📅To book a consultation at any of CVR’s other 120+ vein clinic locations nationwide, CLICK HERE.

How Varicose Veins Develop: A Closer Look

Healthy veins direct blood toward the heart using small, one-way valves. These valves open to let blood pass upward and close to stop it from flowing backward. Varicose veins form when the valves weaken or the vein walls lose strength, since this allows blood to pool in the lower part of the vein.

This condition, known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), can cause leg heaviness, swelling, fatigue, itching, or skin changes near the ankles. Recognizing these signs early allows you to take steps that protect your vein health.

The Main Causes of Varicose Veins

1. Age

Veins lose elasticity and valve strength over time, making it harder for blood to move upward. The longer the veins work against gravity, the greater the strain on their overall structure and efficiency.

2. Family History

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, genetics can strongly influence vein health. If a parent or sibling has varicose veins, your risk is higher. A family history of weaker vein walls or valves underscores the importance of prevention and early screening.

3. Hormonal and Pregnancy-Related Changes

Hormonal shifts during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can relax vein walls and weaken the valves that control blood flow. During pregnancy, blood volume increases, and the growing uterus puts extra pressure on the veins in the legs and pelvis. These changes can lead to varicose veins, which often improve after childbirth but may persist.

4. Standing or Sitting for Long Periods

Staying still, whether standing or sitting, slows circulation and raises pressure in the legs. Jobs that involve long hours on your feet or at a desk increase the risk of developing varicose veins. Taking regular movement breaks or flexing your calf muscles helps blood move upward.

5. Lack of Exercise

Conversely, movement strengthens the calf muscles that assist in returning blood to the heart. A sedentary lifestyle can weaken this “muscle pump,” allowing blood to pool in the legs. Gentle activities such as walking, swimming, or biking improve circulation and keep veins strong.

6. Excess Weight

Extra body weight adds pressure on the leg veins and makes valve failure more likely. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces that strain and improves overall blood flow. Even small changes in diet and activity can make a noticeable difference in comfort and vein appearance.

7. Previous Injury or Blood Clot

Damage from a leg injury, surgery, or a blood clot can disrupt normal circulation. Once a vein’s valves are weakened, the nearby veins often work harder, which can lead to new varicose veins later in life.

Simple Ways to Support Healthy Veins

While you can’t change your age or family history, small daily choices make an impact and can help protect your veins.

• Move often: Take short walks or stretch your legs every hour.
• Elevate your legs: Raise them above heart level for a few minutes to reduce pressure.
• Wear compression stockings: Ask your doctor if these supportive garments are right for you.
• Stay active: Choose low-impact exercises that build strength in your calves.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Balanced nutrition, hydration, and weight control support strong circulation.

Remember, these tips may provide temporary relief, but they won’t address the underlying issue of vein disease. If you notice signs such as persistent leg heaviness, swelling, or visible veins, a professional evaluation can identify issues early, and vein treatment can prevent them from worsening.

Modern Varicose Vein Treatments

Treatment for varicose veins has advanced significantly. Most procedures are minimally invasive, take less than an hour, and require little to no downtime. Depending on your condition, your vein specialist may recommend:

• Endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation to close damaged veins using gentle heat
• Sclerotherapy to treat smaller veins with a precise injection
• VenaSeal or ClariVein for a non-thermal option that delivers comfort and convenience

Here’s what these treatments have in common: they close diseased veins so that healthy veins can take over normal blood flow. Patients typically experience quick relief from heaviness and swelling, along with improved leg appearance and comfort.

When to See a Vein Specialist

Schedule a consultation if you experience:

• Swelling or heaviness in your legs
• Visible, bulging veins
• Skin thickening or discoloration near the ankles
• Persistent pain, itching, or nighttime cramps

A simple, noninvasive ultrasound can assess how well your veins are working and help your specialist choose the best treatment for you.

CVR Helps Patients Take the First Step Toward Healthier Legs

Healthy veins help you stay active, comfortable, and confident. If varicose veins are causing discomfort or affecting how you feel about your legs, expert care can help. At CVR, our board-certified physicians use the latest techniques to treat vein disease safely and effectively.

Schedule your consultation today and experience how lighter, healthier legs can change how you move, feel, and live.

📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-249-8250
📅 Or book online HERE

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can lifestyle changes prevent new varicose veins?
Healthy habits can help slow or prevent new varicose veins from forming. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking breaks from long periods of sitting or standing all support good circulation and reduce strain on your veins.

2. How soon can I return to normal activities after treatment?
Most people resume regular routines the same day or within 24 hours after a minimally invasive vein procedure. Your doctor will recommend walking soon after treatment to promote healing and circulation.

3. Do men get varicose veins, too?
Yes. Although more common in women, men can develop varicose veins for a variety of reasons, including age, genetics, weight, or limited movement at work.

4. What is the best treatment for varicose veins?
The best treatment depends on your vein condition. After an ultrasound evaluation, your vein specialist will recommend the option that offers the safest and most effective results.