5 things to know about varicose veins

A varicosed vein is a normal vein – usually in the leg – that becomes enlarged, bulging, or twisted. It might appear red or purple through the skin. Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern, they are often painful and can lead to ulcers and chronic wounds.

Varicose veins are different from the more common reticular veins, called spider veins. Spider veins are red or purple squiggly veins that can be seen through the skin. But they’re small, not raised, and might not be painful. Spider veins tend to be a cosmetic issue rather than a medical concern.

Kyle Wahlstrom, MD, a surgeon at M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital, explains varicose veins.

What are varicose veins?

Your body’s veins have one job: To bring blood back to the heart. But that’s not easy for the veins in your legs. They have to work against gravity to return the blood back up your body. To help, the veins in your legs have valves that open and close to keep the blood flowing the right way. When the valves get weak or damaged, they don’t work properly, and blood can pool up in your veins. Buildup causes them to expand. They might twist or enlarge, even becoming as wide as a finger.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins can be genetic, so if your biological parents or grandparents had them, you might too. They are also caused by pressure, particularly on your feet. So people who spend long hours standing or frequently lift heavy items are at increased risk. Carrying excess body weight and being pregnant can also lead to varicose veins. The valves in your vessels can also wear and tear with age, causing varicose veins.

Can varicose veins affect health?

While you might not like the look of raised, ropy varicose veins, which can be seen through the skin, the concern is not simply cosmetic. Varicose veins can be painful, and cause pressure or a heavy, achy feeling.

Untreated, varicose veins can lead to chronic wounds or ulcers, so they are more than skin deep.

How can you prevent varicose veins?

You can take some steps to prevent veins from becoming varicosed or to slow progression. Since pressure in your lower body can lead to varicose veins, maintaining a healthy body weight can help. Any kind of exercise – but particularly leg exercise – will help strengthen the connective tissue around the vessels, which could help prevent varicose veins. You can also put your feet up when you sit to improve blood flow back to the heart.

“There's a myth that crossing your legs causes varicose veins, but that has nothing to do with any vein issues at all,” Wahlstrom said.

Wahlstrom said compression socks are another tool to fight varicose veins. In fact, most insurance companies require you to use compression socks under a doctor’s supervision for at least three months before they will approve other treatments for varicose veins.

“Compression socks are important after treatment for good results,” Wahlstrom said. “They help with maintenance, keeping the veins from getting damaged again.”