Medically Reviewed By Kristine Cruz, MD, FACS, on January 28, 2025
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear on the legs and can cause discomfort, cosmetic concerns, and even lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. While these pesky veins are generally seen in both legs, it’s not unusual for them to appear in only one leg. Circulation problems affecting just one side of the body can raise concerns and be confusing for many, especially for those whose symptoms impact their quality of life.
In this blog, we explore potential causes of varicose veins in just one leg and why seeking professional treatment is crucial to managing the condition effectively.
Whether you’re exploring options to treat varicose veins in one leg, both legs, or other issues surrounding chronic venous insufficiency, the board-certified physicians at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) are experts at using state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and provide recommendations for better vein health.
Don’t wait to take charge of your leg health and comfort! Book online today or call 240-965-3915 to schedule a consultation with a CVR vein specialist near you.
Varicose veins often look bluish or purple under the skin. They typically form in the legs because the veins located in the lower extremities must work against gravity to return blood to the heart. When the valves inside the veins weaken or malfunction, blood can flow backward, causing the veins to stretch and become visible.
While varicose veins are most common in both legs, they can also develop in just one leg. Various disabilities, including congenital disabilities, pregnancy, and genetics, can contribute to this asymmetry. Understanding these reasons can help determine the right course of treatment. Let’s break down each of these potential causes:
In many cases, varicose veins in one leg result from an underlying issue with the vein structure on that particular side of the body. The veins in one leg may be more susceptible to damage or dysfunction due to valve malformation or weakened vein walls.
One-side varicose veins can be the result of:
In these cases, only one leg is affected because the other leg’s veins and valves still function properly, compensating for the weakened side.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition where the veins in the legs cannot pump enough blood back to the heart. Although CVI usually affects both legs, it may begin in one leg and progressively worsen over time. If blood flow becomes compromised due to blocked veins, varicose veins may form because of the blood pooling in that area.
This asymmetry could be due to one leg experiencing more pressure from standing, walking, or other physical activities, causing the veins in that leg to wear out faster than in the other. Over time, one leg may show signs of varicose veins while the other remains relatively unaffected.
Pregnancy is a significant contributing factor to varicose veins, and for some women, varicose veins can develop in only one leg. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the increased blood volume during pregnancy places more pressure on the veins in the lower body, and the growing uterus can put additional pressure on the veins in the pelvis and legs.
In some cases, this added pressure can make varicose veins more noticeable or cause them to develop in one leg rather than both. Pregnancy-related varicose veins are typically temporary and may subside after childbirth, but if left untreated, they can lead to more serious complications in the future.
Certain lifestyle factors can also contribute to the development of varicose veins in only one leg. If you tend to favor one leg more than the other when standing or sitting for extended periods, the veins in that leg could be under more strain. For example, standing with more weight on one leg or crossing one leg over the other for long periods can increase the pressure on the veins in that leg. Over time, this added pressure can contribute to the development of varicose veins in the affected leg.
Physical activities such as sports or exercise can lead to one-sided pressure on the veins, especially if you have an underlying muscle strength or posture imbalance. In these cases, a professional vein care provider can evaluate your condition and recommend lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk.
Genetics plays a major role in the development of varicose veins, and it’s possible that one leg could be more prone to their development due to inherited factors. If one of your parents or close family members had varicose veins in one leg, you may be more likely to experience the same issue. Family history could lead to weak veins or valve problems in the affected leg, making it more susceptible to varicose veins.
Another cause of varicose veins in just one leg can be a previous blood clot, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When a blood clot forms in a vein deep within the leg, it can damage the vein and its valves, leading to improper blood flow and the development of varicose veins. If DVT occurs in one leg but not the other, you may develop varicose veins in that leg alone. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications. One of them is pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition where a blood clot blocks a lung artery, disrupting blood flow.
Did you know? CVR offers a DVT rule-out service for same-day or next-day diagnosis and treatment plans. Call our hotline number at 877-SCAN-DVT.
Whether varicose veins appear in one leg or both, it’s important to seek professional treatment. Ignoring the condition can lead to worsening symptoms, including pain, swelling, ulceration, and skin changes.
Whether your circulation problems are related to valve damage, pregnancy, lifestyle factors, or an injury, professional vein treatment is key to improving symptoms and preventing further complications. Don't let varicose veins impact your quality of life—consult with a CVR vein care specialist to explore the best treatment options for your specific situation. With the right care, you can find relief and restore the health and appearance of your legs.
Call our hotline today to schedule an appointment and explore your treatment options at 240-965-3915. You can also schedule ONLINE.
Varicose Veins require treatment to resolve. With so many treatment options out there and claims made by non-medical companies it is hard to know what treatment is best. We put together a complete guide to understanding varicose veins treatment options.
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