Why Young Adults Get Varicose Veins – Causes, Signs and Treatment Options

Varicose veins are commonly associated with ageing, but many people begin to experience them as early as their 20s or 30s. These bulging, twisted veins can cause both cosmetic concern and physical discomfort, even in otherwise healthy young adults. In this article, we explore why varicose veins develop at a young age, what symptoms to watch for, and how UK Vein Care can help with modern treatment options.

Why Do Young Adults Get Varicose Veins?

While age is a risk factor, varicose veins often start much earlier due to hereditary, hormonal, or lifestyle reasons. If you have a family history of venous issues, your risk of developing varicose veins increases significantly—especially if you're female. Factors such as pregnancy, prolonged standing, inactivity, or even certain types of exercise can put excess pressure on leg veins and lead to early vein damage.

As you can read more about in our article on what causes varicose veins, genetics and vein valve weakness are common triggers.

The Role of Genetics and Hormones

Hereditary weakness in vein walls or valves is one of the most significant causes of varicose veins in young adults. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women due to birth control or pregnancy, can further weaken vein structure. Even young people with a healthy weight and active lifestyle can be affected if they carry this genetic predisposition.

Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

In early stages, symptoms may be subtle and easily dismissed as general fatigue or leg strain. Common signs include:

• Aching or heaviness in the legs
• Visible blue or purple veins near the surface of the skin
• Swelling around the ankles
• Restlessness or cramping at night

We explain this further in our guide to early stage varicose vein symptoms.

The Emotional Impact of Visible Veins

For many young adults, the appearance of varicose veins can have a profound effect on body image and confidence. This is especially true during summer months or social events where bare legs are more visible. Feeling self-conscious can lead to reduced participation in physical activities or avoiding certain clothing altogether.

Pregnancy and Early-Onset Varicose Veins

It’s common for young women to develop varicose veins during or after their first pregnancy. Increased blood volume, hormone changes, and pressure from the growing uterus all contribute to venous insufficiency. While some veins may improve after delivery, many persist and worsen with each subsequent pregnancy.

We cover this in more detail in our article on varicose veins and pregnancy.

When to Seek Help

If you're a young adult experiencing symptoms or noticing visible veins, don’t wait. Early treatment prevents progression and avoids long-term complications. At UK Vein Care, we offer thorough consultations and advanced scanning technology to create a personalised treatment plan—no referral needed.

Treatments Available for Young Adults

Modern treatments are minimally invasive, fast, and highly effective. These include:

• Endovenous laser therapy (EVLA)
• Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy
• Microphlebectomy

All procedures are carried out as walk-in walk-out treatments with little downtime. Learn more about our techniques on our page about varicose vein treatment.

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