Let’s Learn About Varicose Veins

Have you ever noticed thick, twisted, or bulging blue or purple veins on someone’s legs—or maybe even your own? These are called varicose veins, and while they’re common, they can be uncomfortable and sometimes lead to more serious problems if left untreated.

Let’s break down what they are, what causes them, and what you can do about them—without the medical jargon.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Your veins are responsible for carrying blood back to your heart. In your legs, they work against gravity, so they rely on small one-way valves to keep the blood flowing in the right direction. When these valves get weak or damaged, blood can pool in the veins instead of moving upward. This causes the veins to swell, twist, and become visible under the skin.

Fig 1: Image depicting varicose veins

Fig 2: Image depicting varicose veins

Who Gets Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins can happen to anyone, but some people are more likely to get them:

• Women, especially during pregnancy or menopause

• People over 50

• Anyone with a family history of varicose veins

• People who stand or sit for long periods at work (like teachers, travellers by air, office workers).

• Those who are overweight or physically inactive

What Do They Feel Like?

Some people have no symptoms at all and just notice the veins as a cosmetic issue. But others may experience:

• Achy or heavy legs

• Burning or throbbing in the lower legs

• Swelling, especially after standing for a while

• Itchy skin around the veins

• Cramps or restlessness at night

Are They Dangerous?

Most of the time, varicose veins are not dangerous. But in some cases, they can lead to complications like:

• Skin ulcers (especially near the ankles)

• Blood clots in deeper veins (called deep vein thrombosis)

• Bleeding if a vein near the skin bursts

That’s why it’s important not to ignore them, especially if symptoms worsen.

Can Varicose Veins Be Prevented?

While you can't always prevent them completely, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

• Stay active – Walking is great for your legs!

• Avoid standing or sitting for too long – Take breaks to move around.

• Elevate your legs when resting to improve circulation.

• Wear compression socks if recommended – they help support your veins.

Fig 3: Image of worn compression stockings

• Maintain a healthy weight – Extra weight puts more pressure on your veins.

What Are the Treatment Options?

If varicose veins bother you or cause discomfort, there are several treatment options:

1. Lifestyle changes – Regular exercise, leg elevation, and compression socks may be all you need.

2. Minimally invasive procedures – Like laser therapy, injections (sclerotherapy), or small surgeries that close or remove the problematic veins.

3. Surgery – In rare cases, larger veins might need to be removed in a procedure called vein stripping.

These treatments are often done in a doctor’s office and don’t require a long recovery time.

What to make of this:

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern for many people—they can be painful and affect your quality of life. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to manage and treat them. If you’re noticing symptoms or just want to understand your options, talk to a healthcare provider. Taking care of your veins means better comfort, better circulation, and better health overall.