Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins — usually in the legs — that appear when the tiny one-way valves inside the veins weaken and blood pools instead of flowing back to the heart. They affect up to one in three adults and range from a cosmetic concern to a source of real pain, swelling, and skin damage. The good news: modern treatment is minimally invasive, done through a needle puncture rather than surgery. This guide explains why varicose veins form, the symptoms to watch, and the treatment options available today.
Why Do Varicose Veins Form?
Leg veins carry blood upward against gravity, helped by one-way valves that stop it flowing back down. When those valves fail — a condition called chronic venous insufficiency — blood pools in the vein, which stretches, twists, and bulges into a varicose vein. Risk factors include family history, age, pregnancy, prolonged standing, and being overweight. Women are affected more often, and the risk rises with each pregnancy.
Symptoms: More Than Cosmetic
Many varicose veins cause only visible bulging, but symptoms are common: aching or heaviness in the legs (worse after standing), swelling around the ankles, night cramps, itching over the vein, and restless legs. Left untreated, advanced venous insufficiency can cause skin discoloration, hardening, and even venous ulcers near the ankle. New pain, warmth, or a hard cord in a vein should be checked promptly, as it can signal a clot.
Treatment Options
Treatment has moved almost entirely away from old-fashioned vein stripping. Today's options seal the faulty vein from the inside so blood reroutes to healthy veins:
- Endovenous laser and radiofrequency ablation close the vein with heat through a catheter.
- Cyanoacrylate (vein glue) closure seals the vein with a medical adhesive — no heat, no tumescent anesthesia — as with INVAMED's VenaBLOCK system.
- Foam sclerotherapy injects a foam that collapses smaller veins.
All are outpatient, walk-in-walk-out procedures. Our detailed comparison of laser, radiofrequency, and adhesive closure explains how to choose. Compression stockings and lifestyle measures help symptoms but do not remove existing varicose veins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Most are not, but untreated venous insufficiency can progress to skin damage and ulcers, and sudden pain or a hard cord may signal a clot that needs evaluation.
Can varicose veins go away on their own?
No — a vein with failed valves does not recover. Symptoms can be managed, but removing the vein requires a procedure.
What is the best treatment for varicose veins?
Minimally invasive ablation (laser, radiofrequency, or adhesive closure) has largely replaced surgery. The best choice depends on vein anatomy and is decided with a specialist.
Which doctor treats varicose veins?
Cardiovascular surgeons, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists treat varicose veins.
This article is for education only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — always consult a qualified physician. Device availability and regulatory status vary by country.