What Are Varicose Veins? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
Varicose veins are enlarged, rope-like veins — usually in the legs — that appear when the tiny valves inside the vein stop working properly. They affect roughly one in three adults, and while many cases are mild, they can also signal an underlying circulation problem worth understanding.
What exactly is a varicose vein?
Healthy leg veins carry blood upward toward the heart against gravity, using a series of one-way valves to stop blood from falling back down. When those valves weaken or fail, blood pools in the vein, raising pressure and stretching the vessel wall. Over time the vein bulges, twists, and becomes visible at the surface — that is a varicose vein.
They most often appear on the calves and thighs because those veins bear the most pressure when you stand or sit for long periods.
Common symptoms
Many people notice the cosmetic appearance first, but varicose veins frequently cause physical symptoms too: aching or heaviness in the legs, swelling around the ankles, throbbing or cramping, itching over the vein, and discomfort that worsens after long periods of standing.
Symptoms often improve when the legs are elevated and tend to feel worse at the end of the day.
What causes them?
The root cause is valve failure, but several factors raise your risk: family history, age, pregnancy, being female, prolonged standing or sitting, excess weight, and a history of blood clots. You can explore these in more detail in our guide to what causes varicose veins.
How are varicose veins treated?
Mild cases are managed conservatively with compression stockings, exercise, and leg elevation. When treatment is needed, modern options are minimally invasive and done in an office setting — including thermal ablation, medical adhesive, foam sclerotherapy, and newer non-thermal approaches. Compare them in our treatment options guide.
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Check your symptoms →Frequently asked questions
Are varicose veins a serious health problem?
Most are not dangerous, but they can be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency and occasionally lead to complications such as skin changes, bleeding, or ulcers. Persistent pain or swelling should be evaluated.
Can varicose veins go away on their own?
No. Once a valve fails it does not heal by itself. Symptoms can be managed, but the underlying vein typically requires treatment to be eliminated.
Which doctor treats varicose veins?
A vein specialist — often a vascular surgeon, interventional radiologist, or phlebologist — diagnoses and treats venous disease.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. SOLVEIN is an investigational device and is not FDA-cleared.