What is varicose veins? A complete guide to healthy legs

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that often appear just beneath the skin's surface, typically in the legs. They develop when the valves inside veins weaken or fail, causing blood to pool and veins to expand. This condition is extremely common, especially among adults, and can range from a cosmetic concern to causing significant discomfort.

While many notice varicose veins due to their appearance, it's important to recognise they can sometimes signal deeper issues with blood circulation. If you want to understand the early warning signs, you can read more about the symptoms of varicose veins here.

Symptoms of varicose veins

The symptoms of varicose veins can vary greatly between individuals. Some may experience mild aching, while others notice changes that affect daily life. Typical symptoms include:

• A heavy or throbbing sensation in the legs
• Bulging blue or purple veins visible under the skin
• Swelling, especially around the ankles
• Skin irritation or dry, itchy patches over veins
• Night-time leg cramps

If you experience persistent discomfort or notice skin changes, it's important to seek advice early. Untreated symptoms may progress over time and lead to more serious vein problems.

What causes varicose veins?

Several factors contribute to the development of varicose veins. Genetics plays a strong role—if your family members have varicose veins, your risk is higher. Age is another major factor; as we get older, vein walls and valves naturally weaken. Additional risk factors include pregnancy, weight gain, and jobs requiring long periods of standing or sitting.

Poor circulation can worsen the condition over time. To better understand why varicose veins develop and what risk factors you might face, you can read about the causes of varicose veins here.

Are varicose veins dangerous?

Although varicose veins often start as a cosmetic concern, they can sometimes signal underlying venous insufficiency. Without treatment, they can progress to complications like leg ulcers, chronic swelling, skin discoloration, and even blood clots. Knowing when to seek help is vital. Find out when varicose veins could become dangerous in this article.

Can untreated varicose veins cause complications?

If varicose veins are left untreated, the risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency increases. This condition can severely impact mobility, cause skin hardening (lipodermatosclerosis), and lead to difficult-to-heal venous ulcers. It can also cause social and emotional distress due to discomfort and visible changes in the legs. You can learn more about chronic venous insufficiency here.

How are varicose veins treated?

Today’s treatments for varicose veins are minimally invasive and highly effective. The main options include:

• Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)
• Foam sclerotherapy
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Ambulatory phlebectomy

These procedures typically require no hospital stay and offer faster recovery compared to older surgical methods. A consultation with a specialist will determine the best treatment based on your vein structure and symptoms. You can explore our modern treatment options for varicose veins here.

When should you seek help for varicose veins?

You should seek medical evaluation if you experience:

• Ongoing leg pain or swelling
• Skin changes such as redness, discoloration, or ulcers
• Increasing size or number of visible varicose veins

Prompt attention can prevent the condition from progressing and significantly improve comfort and appearance. UK Vein Care provides expert assessments and personalised treatment plans tailored to your needs.

Complications of untreated varicose veins

Without intervention, varicose veins can escalate into serious health problems. These include chronic swelling, skin thickening, hyperpigmentation, and ulceration. In severe cases, infections can develop around ulcerated areas, making healing more difficult. It's essential to act early to protect your long-term vein health and mobility.

Swollen legs – could it be a sign of vein disease?

Persistent swelling in the legs, particularly around the ankles, is a common sign of venous insufficiency. When vein valves fail, blood accumulates, causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. Over time, this swelling can lead to skin damage, discomfort, and a higher risk of ulcers. You can learn more about swollen legs and vein disease here.

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