Understanding Varicose Veins: Causes and Symptoms

You may have seen varicose veins; they appear as twisting, bulging veins that seem to creep across the legs, sometimes blue, sometimes purple, occasionally raised and rope-like. While varicose veins are often dismissed as cosmetic concerns, they can also be a sign of a more significant underlying issue.

Understanding what causes varicose veins, how they develop, and the symptoms to look out for can help you take steps to protect your long-term vein health.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when the tiny one-way valves inside your veins stop working effectively. Typically, these valves help keep blood flowing towards the heart. When they become weakened or damaged, blood can pool in the vein, causing it to swell and distort. Over time, this leads to visible surface veins that may become enlarged, twisted, and uncomfortable.

They most commonly appear in the legs and feet, where pressure is highest due to prolonged standing or sitting. However, they can also form in other parts of the body, including the pelvis and, in rare cases, the oesophagus.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

There is no single cause of varicose veins; instead, a combination of factors contributes to their development. Genetics play a significant role. If your parents or grandparents had varicose veins, you’re more likely to develop them too. This hereditary risk is primarily due to inherited weaknesses in the vein wall or valves.

Another common factor is prolonged standing or sitting, particularly in occupations that require you to stay in the same position for hours at a time. When your muscles aren’t actively contracting to help pump blood upward, veins are forced to work harder against gravity.

Hormonal changes also influence vein health. That’s why varicose veins are more common in women, especially during pregnancy or menopause, when fluctuating hormone levels affect the elasticity of vein walls. Pregnancy increases blood volume and places additional pressure on pelvic and leg veins, raising the risk of vein issues during and after childbirth.

Age is another contributor. As we grow older, our veins lose elasticity, and the valves within them can become less effective. The result is blood pooling, leading to the characteristic swelling and bulging of varicose veins.

Lastly, being overweight or obese puts added pressure on your veins, particularly those in the legs. This can increase the likelihood of valve failure and accelerate the development of varicose veins in individuals who are genetically predisposed.

Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Not all varicose veins are painful, but many people do experience symptoms that impact their quality of life. The most noticeable sign is the visible appearance of twisted or bulging veins, often in the lower legs or behind the knees. These veins may appear dark purple or blue and can worsen after prolonged periods of standing.

Alongside visual changes, many people report feelings of heaviness, aching, or throbbing in the legs. Some describe a sensation of fatigue or tension that builds throughout the day, especially if they’ve been on their feet. The discomfort often eases after elevating the legs or taking a short walk.

Other symptoms can include itching around the veins, muscle cramping, swelling in the lower legs or ankles, and restless legs at night. In more advanced cases, the skin over varicose veins can become dry, thin, or discoloured, and ulcers can form, particularly near the ankles.

If you notice sudden swelling in one leg or the vein feels warm, hard, or tender to the touch, it could indicate a blood clot and require immediate medical attention.

Early Recognition Leads to Better Outcomes

One of the most important aspects of treating varicose veins is recognising the early signs and seeking help before complications arise. Many people delay treatment because they assume varicose veins are purely cosmetic or an inevitable consequence of ageing. However, addressing vein issues early can prevent the progression to more serious conditions, such as chronic venous insufficiency, skin breakdown, or venous ulcers.

Modern vein treatments are safe, effective, and minimally invasive. Options such as laser ablation, sclerotherapy, and surgery can provide lasting relief. These procedures work by closing off the defective vein, allowing blood to reroute through healthier vessels.

In some cases, lifestyle adjustments such as wearing compression stockings, staying active, avoiding prolonged periods of standing, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce symptoms or slow the progression of varicose veins. However, when the underlying cause is structural, such as faulty valves, intervention is often necessary to resolve the issue completely.

Don’t Dismiss the Signs

Varicose veins aren’t something to ignore and just live with. They’re a sign that your circulatory system isn’t functioning as well as it should, and they can have a real impact on how your legs feel day-to-day. If you’ve noticed visible changes in your veins or you’re experiencing aching, swelling, or discomfort in your legs, it’s worth speaking to a vein specialist.

At Laser Vein Co., we take a personalised approach to diagnosing and treating varicose veins, using the latest imaging and treatment techniques to deliver lasting results with minimal disruption to your life. Understanding the causes and symptoms of varicose veins is the first step, and from there, we can help guide you toward lasting relief.