What Are Varices?

Medically reviewed by Anastasios Polimenakos, MD, MBA, FACS, FACC, on April 8, 2025

When we think about staying healthy, we often focus on our heart, diet, or exercise—but we don’t always think about our veins. Your veins play a major role in circulation, constantly helping move blood back to your heart. However, like any part of the body, veins can develop problems that affect your overall health and comfort.

Among the most common vein issues are varices, a term used to describe a vein that becomes overfilled with blood. A term closely related to varicose veins, these vessels can form throughout the body and come with several uncomfortable symptoms.

What’s the difference between varices and varicose veins, exactly?

In this article, we’ll break down the subtle difference between varices and varicose veins, explore what causes them, and clarify the signs that mean it may be time to see a vein expert for proper care and treatment.

If you’re ready for compassionate vein care tailored to your needs, the board-certified physicians at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) are here to help. We specialize in treating chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and all forms of vein disease using the most advanced and minimally invasive treatments available. With dozens of convenient locations, trusted vein doctors, and a knowledgeable care team, you’ll be in good hands every step of the way.

Call 240-965-3915 or visit our SCHEDULING PORTAL to book a consultation at a CVR vein clinic near you.

Understanding Varices

The term varices refers to any veins in the body that have become overfilled with blood, typically exhibiting a swollen and twisted appearance. This typically occurs because the valves inside the veins have become dysfunctional. These tiny valves are supposed to keep blood moving in one direction—back toward the heart. When they weaken or get damaged, blood starts to pool, causing the vein walls to stretch and bulge. That’s when varices form.

While varices can appear almost anywhere in the body, such as the esophagus or rectum, the most common type people notice are in the legs, which is why they’re so frequently associated with varicose veins.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a specific type of varices that form just under the skin, usually in the legs or feet. They are the visible, often rope-like veins that may accompany symptoms such as aching, throbbing, or a heavy sensation in the legs, especially after prolonged standing. That’s because of a condition called chronic venous insufficiency, where the veins struggle to push blood back to the heart.

To put it simply: All varicose veins are varices, but not all varices are varicose veins. Understanding these differences can help you identify the signs to look for and recognize when it’s time to seek professional treatment from a vein specialist.

What Causes Varices and Varicose Veins?

Lack of circulation is a major contributing factor to varices and varicose veins alike. Varices ultimately develop when the pressure inside your veins becomes too high due to poor blood flow or weakened vein walls. In addition to the legs, this can lead to varices in the esophagus, rectum, or even around the stomach in certain medical conditions.

In addition to chronic venous insufficiency, let’s take a look at some of the other factors that can contribute to different types of varices:

• Genetics: If varices run in your family, your chances of developing them are higher.
• Liver Disease: Conditions including cirrhosis can increase pressure in the portal vein system, leading to esophageal or gastric varices, which are more serious and often require specialized medical care, as per the Mayo Clinic.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy can weaken vein walls and increase pressure, especially in the lower body.
• Obesity: Extra weight puts more pressure on your veins and increases your risk of developing vein disease.
• Aging: As we get older, our veins naturally weaken, making them more prone to stretching and valve problems.
• Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Being in the same position for long periods can make it harder for blood to flow properly, particularly in the legs.

Whether varices appear in your legs or anywhere else, it’s critical to recognize that they’re a sign that your veins are being strained in some way. If you’re noticing symptoms such as discomfort, swelling, or visible changes in your veins, it’s a good idea to talk to a vein doctor about your concerns and get to the underlying cause of the strain.

Varices: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Not everyone with varicose veins experiences pain, but many do. Here are some signs of vein disease that shouldn’t be ignored, as they likely won’t go away on their own:

• Aching, throbbing, or burning sensation in the legs
• Legs that feel heavy or tired by the end of the day
• Swelling in your ankles or feet
• Itchy, dry, or discolored skin around a vein
• Restless legs or night cramps

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they’re worsening, consulting a vein care expert about your condition can help you obtain early treatment and prevent more serious problems, such as ulcers or blood clots.

What Are Your Treatment Options?

While its symptoms can certainly be uncomfortable, the good news is that most vein disease treatments have evolved to become minimally invasive, and they can be performed without the need for a hospital stay.

Common treatments for varices in the legs—known as varicose veins—include:

• Compression Stockings and lifestyle changes: Help improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Regular exercise, weight loss, and elevating your legs can help ease symptoms and prevent new varicose veins from forming.
• Sclerotherapy: A solution called a sclerosant is injected into the vein to close it off and reroute blood flow.
• Ablation Strategies: Energy (light or heat) or liquid adhesive-based therapies are used to seal off veins.
• Ambulatory Microphlebectomy: A minimally invasive approach where vein doctors make micro-incisions and use micro-tools to remove bulging surface veins. No stitches are required, and expedited recovery is expected. Most patients resume normal activity the same day.

Why See a Vein Doctor?

Even though varicose veins are the most common type of varices, it’s important not to guess about your health. If you’re experiencing varicose vein pain, visible veins, or other symptoms of vein disease, a board-certified vein doctor can provide the answers you need. By evaluating your veins with a painless ultrasound, your CVR vein specialist can recommend the most effective care plan for you. No matter which type of varices you’re working to manage, getting help early is the best way to avoid complications and feel more confident in your health and appearance.

Let CVR’s Board-Certified Experts Provide Trusted Solutions

You don’t have to live with leg pain, swelling, or unsightly veins. CVR offers fast, effective vein treatment options that can help you feel better—often with little or no downtime. Whether deemed cosmetic or medical, our vein experts are ready to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Take the first step toward healthier legs and a more active life. Contact CVR today to schedule your appointment and discover just how easy vein care can be. Call 240-965-3915 or visit our SCHEDULING PORTAL to book a consultation at a CVR vein clinic near you.