If you’re noticing bulging veins, leg discomfort, or swelling that doesn’t go away, you might be dealing with varicose veins. They’re common, but treatable.
This post guides you through the causes of varicose veins, how to identify early signs, and the treatment options to consider. Whether you’re worried about pain, appearance, or both, you’ll find practical answers here.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are swollen veins that twist and bulge just under the skin, most commonly in the legs. They may appear blue or purple and often develop as part of the natural aging process.
These veins form when tiny valves inside them weaken. Normally, valves help stop blood from flowing backward. When they fail, blood flow slows or pools, causing veins to stretch, twist, and rise to the surface.
Why Do Some People Develop Varicose Veins?
Some people are more likely to develop varicose veins than others. Several risk factors contribute:
- Family history of vein issues
- Jobs that involve long periods of standing or sitting
- Weak calf muscles that don’t support circulation well
- Carrying excess pounds, which increases pressure on the veins
- Pregnancy or hormonal changes
- Medical conditions like chronic venous insufficiency
These factors can also worsen smaller varicose veins or lead to more severe varicose veins over time.
Varicose Veins vs. Spider Veins
It’s easy to confuse varicose veins with spider veins, but there are clear differences. Spider veins are thin, red or blue lines that spread like webs. Meanwhile, varicose veins are thicker, bulging, and may cause pain, heaviness, or swelling
While spider veins are mostly cosmetic, larger varicose veins may signal deeper health conditions and might require treatment.
Signs You Might Have Varicose Veins
Symptoms can develop slowly and may worsen over time, especially without the right care. You may need to seek treatment if you notice:
- Aching or heaviness in your legs, especially after standing
- Swelling in the ankles or lower legs
- Burning, throbbing, or cramping, particularly at night
- Dry or itchy skin around the affected vein
- Darkening or hardening of the skin near the vein
In some cases, constant pressure in the legs may lead to changes in skin texture or open sores, particularly in the lower leg. These symptoms may suggest an underlying issue like chronic venous insufficiency.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If your legs feel consistently painful or swollen, or if you’ve noticed visible changes in the veins, it’s time to speak with a healthcare provider. Some complications, like blood clots or deep vein thrombosis, can be serious and should be ruled out early.
A simple physical exam combined with a painless test using sound waves (ultrasound) is often enough to diagnose varicose veins and determine whether medical treatment is necessary.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
If you’re ready to take the next step, you have more than one way to treat varicose veins. Today’s treatment options are safe, effective, and often done in-office without a hospital stay.
Conservative Treatments You Can Start Immediately
Doctors often begin with non-invasive strategies to manage symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse. These include:
- Wear compression stockings: These apply gentle pressure to the legs, improve blood flow, and reduce swelling.
- Make lifestyle changes: Losing excess pounds, staying active, and elevating your legs can ease discomfort.
- Avoid long periods of sitting or standing: Moving regularly keeps blood circulating and reduces pooling.
While these steps can help relieve symptoms, they won’t eliminate larger varicose veins. For that, medical treatment may be needed.
Minimally Invasive Procedures That Work
When lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend one of these outpatient procedures. Each one targets the affected vein directly with little downtime.
- Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected into smaller varicose veins, making them collapse and fade.
- Laser therapy: Laser energy seals off the vein without cuts or stitches. It’s ideal for surface-level veins.
- Radiofrequency ablation: A thin tube called a catheter delivers heat inside the vein to close it from within.
- Laser ablation: Similar to radiofrequency, but uses laser treatment to target the problem area.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy: The doctor removes veins through small incisions. This is effective for veins near the skin.
- Vein stripping: In rare cases, surgeons may use this more invasive method to remove long, damaged veins.
Your vascular surgeon will help choose the right procedure based on your medical history, symptoms, and the size of the varicose vein.
What to Expect During and After Varicose Vein Treatment
If you’re planning to treat varicose veins, it helps to know what the process looks like from start to finish. Most modern treatments are fast, low-risk, and require little recovery time.
Before the Procedure
Your doctor begins by reviewing your medical history and performing a quick leg exam. They explain the treatment method and answer any questions you have. Most procedures don’t require general anesthesia, and you can go home the same day.
During the Procedure
For minimally invasive treatments, your doctor inserts a thin tube or needle into the vein. They use tools like ultrasound to guide the procedure. You may feel slight pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt. The goal is to close off the affected vein, which reroutes blood through healthy ones nearby.
Procedures like laser ablation or sclerotherapy typically take under an hour. Your provider may recommend wearing compression stockings afterward to support healing and reduce swelling.
After the Procedure
You’ll walk out the same day in most cases. Some people return to work the next day, while others take it easy for a few days. Your doctor will give you aftercare instructions. These might include walking daily, avoiding heavy lifting, and keeping your legs elevated when resting.
You may notice improvements in how your legs feel within days, and visible veins often fade over several weeks. Follow-up visits help your provider track progress and decide if you need more treatment.
Treat Varicose Veins at Wellness and Pain
Wellness and Pain helps you treat varicose veins with safe, personalized care. Your visit begins with a quick in-office ultrasound that shows which veins need treatment and helps guide your care plan.
Our team offers minimally invasive options like sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and radiofrequency ablation. These procedures take place in the office and allow you to return to your day without a long recovery. Whether you have smaller surface veins or larger varicose veins, they recommend a treatment that fits your symptoms and goals.
After treatment, the doctors give you clear instructions to support your recovery. They may suggest using compression stockings, staying active, and making simple changes that protect your results. Most treatments qualify for insurance, and the team explains your coverage before you begin.
Board-certified specialists handle every part of your care. They focus on comfort, safety, and results you can see and feel.
Schedule your consultation today!
FAQs About Varicose Vein Treatment
What is the best treatment for varicose veins?
The best treatment depends on the size of the veins, your symptoms, and your overall health. Many doctors start with non-surgical options like compression stockings, sclerotherapy, or laser ablation. These options work well for both comfort and appearance, especially when done early.
In some cases, procedures like stab avulsion may offer better results for veins closer to the surface, especially when patients want a targeted approach.
What is the fastest way to get rid of varicose veins?
Minimally invasive procedures offer the quickest results. Treatments like laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation seal the affected vein and provide relief within days. Your doctor can help you choose the safest option for your case, based on how your body responds and the location of the damaged veins.
Can you get rid of varicose veins without surgery?
Yes. Most people don’t need surgery. In-office procedures like foam sclerotherapy, vein-sealing adhesives, and laser energy treatments offer strong results without incisions, stitches, or long recovery times. These options suit patients who want relief with minimal interruption to their daily life.
What are the main causes of varicose veins?
Varicose veins often result from weak valves in the leg veins that allow blood to pool. Common causes include family history, aging, pregnancy, and jobs that require long periods of standing or sitting. Extra weight and certain health conditions can also increase your risk.
