What Are Varices?

Varices are enlarged, swollen veins that develop when blood doesn’t move through a vein as efficiently as it should. They can form in several parts of the body, but the type most people recognize is varicose veins in the legs. Healthy veins are essential to circulation because they return blood to the heart and help keep blood moving smoothly throughout the body. Understanding varices matters because some forms are minor, while others may signal an underlying medical condition.

In this blog, Fernando F. Illescas, MD, CM, DABR, FRCP(C), lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinic in Springfield, MA, explains what varices are, how they differ from varicose veins, which symptoms deserve attention, and how problem leg veins are treated.

If you have aching, swelling, heaviness, visible bulging veins, or other persistent leg symptoms, schedule an evaluation with Center for Vein Restoration (CVR). A board-certified vein specialist can identify the cause and recommend care based on your needs.

How Do Varices Develop?

Varices are veins that have become enlarged because blood is pooling or pressure inside the vein has increased. Varicose veins are one type of varices and most often affect superficial veins in the legs, Mayo Clinic explains.

In the legs, tiny one-way valves help keep blood moving upward against gravity. When these valves weaken or stop closing properly, blood can pool, increasing pressure inside the vein and causing it to stretch, twist, or bulge. This valve dysfunction is a common feature of chronic venous insufficiency.

Varices can also develop outside the legs. Esophageal and gastric varices, for example, are enlarged veins in the digestive tract that are often related to liver disease and increased pressure in the portal vein system, according to Harvard Medical School. These conditions are different from varicose veins in the legs and require care from the appropriate medical specialist.

What Is the Difference Between Varices and Varicose Veins?

The term varices refers broadly to abnormally enlarged veins in different parts of the body. Varicose veins are a specific type of varices that usually develops near the surface of the legs.

They may look blue, purple, twisted, or rope-like. In simple terms, varicose veins are varices, but varices can also occur outside the legs.

What Symptoms Can Leg Varices Cause?

Some varicose veins cause no discomfort. Others can produce symptoms that worsen throughout the day or interfere with normal activity.

According to Cleveland Clinic, common signs of leg varices or varicose veins include:

• Aching, throbbing, burning, or tenderness in the legs
• A heavy or tired feeling, especially later in the day
• Swelling around the ankles, feet, or lower legs
• Itching or irritation near visible veins
• Skin discoloration around the ankles or lower legs
• Nighttime leg cramps or restless sensations
• Bulging, twisted, or rope-like veins
• Symptoms that worsen after prolonged standing or sitting

Persistent or worsening varicose vein symptoms deserve evaluation.

What Causes Varices and Who Is at Risk?

For varicose veins in the legs, the main problem is usually increased venous pressure caused by weakened vein valves. Several factors can raise the risk.

Family history can increase risk because vein valve weakness may run in families. Aging also matters as vein walls and valves lose strength. Pregnancy can contribute because blood volume rises and hormonal changes may relax vein walls.

Extra body weight can place more pressure on the veins in the lower body. Long periods of standing or sitting may also make it harder for the leg muscles to help move blood upward toward the heart.

Having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll develop varicose veins, but it may increase the likelihood of vein problems over time.

How Are Varicose Veins Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause, size, location, and severity of the affected veins. A vein specialist may first recommend wearing compression stockings, regular walking, weight management when appropriate, avoiding long periods of inactivity, and elevating the legs.

When an underlying vein isn’t working properly, minimally invasive treatment may be recommended. Options include sclerotherapy, thermal ablation, medical adhesive treatment, and ambulatory phlebectomy.

Sclerotherapy uses an injected solution to close certain abnormal veins. Thermal ablation uses heat to close a diseased vein, while medical adhesive seals the vein without heat. Ambulatory phlebectomy removes bulging surface veins through very small openings in the skin.

Your specialist will use duplex ultrasound before treatment to check blood flow and valve function, identify which veins aren’t working properly, and develop a treatment plan based on the source of the problem.

When Should You See a Vein Specialist?

Visible leg veins alone don’t always require medical treatment. Evaluation becomes more important when varicose veins come with pain, swelling, heaviness, skin changes, or symptoms that limit daily activities.

Darkening, irritation, thickening, or sores around the lower leg or ankle may indicate more advanced venous disease and should be assessed.

Sudden swelling, warmth, redness, or significant pain in one leg may have causes other than varicose veins, including a blood clot. Seek prompt medical attention for sudden symptoms, especially if they occur with chest pain or shortness of breath.

Varices Are Treatable, but the Cause Matters

When varices appear in the legs as varicose veins, they’re often associated with weakened vein valves and chronic venous insufficiency. Identifying the underlying cause helps determine whether treatment is needed and which option may be most appropriate.

If leg pain, swelling, heaviness, skin changes, or visible varicose veins are affecting your comfort or daily life, CVR can help. An evaluation with one of our board-certified vein experts can provide answers and guide you toward a treatment plan that fits your condition and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can varicose veins come back after treatment?

A: Treated veins are generally closed or removed, but new varicose veins can develop in other veins over time. Follow-up care can help monitor future changes.

Q: Are varices always visible?

A: No. Some abnormal veins are deeper under the skin and can’t be seen from the surface. Ultrasound can detect circulation problems that aren’t obvious during a visual exam.

Q: Can exercise get rid of varicose veins?

A: Exercise can support circulation and may reduce symptoms, but it doesn’t repair damaged vein valves. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated to determine whether treatment is appropriate.