How Do You Prevent Varicose Veins From Getting Worse?

If you have noticed varicose veins on your legs, you aren’t the only one. It’s a common vein condition that affects up to 3 in 10 people. 

Some people with varicose veins may only have a change in physical appearance with no other symptoms. Others have long-term leg pain and swelling. Let’s take a closer look at how to prevent varicose veins from getting worse and effective ways to treat them. 

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins develop when blood flow in the veins doesn’t go in the right direction. Blood normally returns to the heart. But, with varicose veins, it pools in the legs instead. This can happen when certain vein structures weaken. Scientists don’t entirely understand why this occurs. But they think these are some common causes of varicose veins.

Weak valves 

Veins have valves to prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction. But as these valves get weak, blood pools inside the vein. This causes veins to get bigger, which makes them look more visible and twisty.

Weak vein walls 

Increased pressure in the veins can cause them to lose the ability to stretch. Vein walls weaken if they can’t stretch well. And this causes veins to widen. 

When veins are wider than normal, blood is more likely to flow in the opposite direction and pool in the legs.

Genetics 

Scientists are still studying the genetics of varicose veins. But they have linked about 30 possible genes to varicose veins. This genetic link may also increase the risk of inflammation, which further increases the risk of varicose veins.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Varicose veins show up as enlarged, blue veins on the legs. Sometimes they have nosymptoms, which makes it easy for people to miss them. When there are symptoms, they can range from mild to severe. 

Symptoms of varicose veins can include: 

• Heaviness in the legs when standing but which lessens with walking

• Swelling in the ankle or legs

• Tenderness over the veins

• Deeper skin tone or discoloration in the lower legs

• Tiredness and fatigue in the legs

• Needle-like sensation in legs

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Who is most at risk for varicose veins?

While it’s not entirely clear why varicose veins happen in some people, experts have found some things that can increase your risk of getting them. Some of these risk factors for varicose veins include:

• Prolonged standing: Professions that require standing for 4 hours or more can lead to increased pressure in the veins.

• Age: Your risk of varicose veins increases with age, and it may double when you reach 65 years old.

• Gender: People assigned female at birth have a higher risk of varicose veins.

• Family history: If you have a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with varicose veins, you have a higher risk of getting them, too.

• Pregnancy: Increased abdominal pressure can increase pressure on the veins. 

• Smoking: Toxins in cigarette smoke can damage the lining of the blood vessels, making varicose veins more likely. 

If any of these apply to you, talk with your provider about the best ways to lower your risk.  

How do you prevent varicose veins from getting worse?

Treatment for varicose veins can help prevent them from getting worse and resolve your symptoms. Treatments vary depending on how severe your symptoms are.

Conservative treatment options

Conservative treatments for varicose veins are not invasive, so there’s no recovery time needed. These treatments also tend to be more affordable. They include:

• Compression stockings: These apply pressure to the legs to reduce blood pooling there. And this can reduce the symptoms of swelling and heaviness in the legs. 

• Leg elevation: Elevating the legs can help blood flow in the right direction.

• Weight loss: Having a heavier body weight can increase the pressure on vein structures. Keeping a healthy weight range can help improve blood flow. 

• Regular aerobic exercise: The leg muscles help move blood back to the heart. And this decreases the risk of pooling.

• Stopping smoking: Stopping smoking can help prevent further damage to the blood vessels and worsening of varicose veins.

Interventional therapy

Interventional therapies are more invasive procedures. They usually use imaging. These treatments include:

• Endovenous obliteration: A provider puts a small catheter in the vein to add heat that will close the vein.

• External laser therapy: This technique uses lasers to close the veins. This is best for smaller veins.

• Sclerotherapy: A provider injects a substance into your veins to cause them to collapse.

Surgery

Surgery may be a good option for more severe varicose veins. But this treatment requires more recovery time and may be more painful. Surgery options include:

• Ligation: The vein is tied off near its weakened area. This stops blood flow into the vein to prevent pooling.

• Vein stripping: A provider puts a catheter in the vein and attaches a cold probe to it so they can remove the vein. 

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Written by:

Alicia Stevens, MD

Alicia Stevens, MD, is a board-certified physician in the fields of internal medicine and pediatrics with over 15 years of experience. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and completed her training at Tulane University.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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