Varicose Veins: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Varicose Veins?
A vascular surgeon, a doctor who treats vein and blood vessel problems, often treats varicose veins. A dermatologist, a skin doctor, or an interventional radiologist, a doctor who does imaging-guided procedures, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, or enlarged veins that you can see under the skin. They are often red or blue in color. They most often appear in the legs but can occur in other parts of the body. Varicose veins are very common, and they do not cause problems for most people.
Spider veins are different. They are small red, blue or purple veins that are usually harmless.
Symptoms
Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Fullness, heaviness, aching, and sometimes pain in the legs.
- Thigh or calf cramps, often at night.
- Mild swelling of the feet or ankles.
- Itching near the varicose veins.
Symptoms may be worse after standing for a long time and may get better when you rest with your legs up. If blood flow through the veins becomes poor enough, you may also have skin color changes and dry, scaly skin that can crack easily.
Varicose veins do not usually cause any serious problems. But they can sometimes cause bleeding, sores that take a long time to heal, or blood clots.
Causes and who gets it
Normally, one-way valves in your leg veins keep blood moving up toward the heart. When the valves do not work properly, they allow blood to back up into the vein. The vein swells from the blood that collects there.
Varicose veins affect more women than men. Things that raise your risk include:
- Older age.
- Being female. Hormone changes from puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to varicose veins.
- Having obesity.
- A past blood clot in your legs.
- Standing or sitting for long periods.
- A family history of varicose veins.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will examine your legs to look for swelling, changes in skin color, or sores.
A specialist will usually do a duplex ultrasound to confirm varicose veins and plan treatment. This scan uses sound waves to look at blood flow through the vessels in your legs.
Treatment
Varicose veins do not always need treatment. Your provider may suggest self-care steps first:
- Wear compression stockings, which gently squeeze your legs to move blood up toward your heart.
- Do not sit or stand for long periods. Even moving your legs slightly helps keep the blood flowing.
Compression therapy only relieves symptoms. Most providers now recommend procedures to correct the reflux problem that is causing your varicose veins. Reflux means blood flowing backward in the vein.
Heat treatments that close off the vein, such as radiofrequency or laser, are usually the first choice of procedure, according to the NHS. Your provider numbs the area, and you can usually go home the same day. Bruising, pain, and changes in skin color are common afterward. Numbness, blood clots, and skin burns are rare.
Sclerotherapy is another option. Your provider injects liquid or foam chemicals into the vein to seal it shut. Rare problems after foam sclerotherapy include blood clots, nerve damage, a serious allergic reaction, or stroke.
Surgery to tie off and remove larger veins is usually recommended only for people who cannot get a less invasive procedure. New varicose veins may form even after treatment, and you may need treatment more than once. Procedures or surgery are not usually recommended during pregnancy, and varicose veins often get better or go away after the baby is born.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 if you see any bleeding from varicose veins. This is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, or fainting.
Contact your provider if your varicose veins are painful, get worse, or do not improve with self-care. Also call if you have a sudden increase in pain or swelling, fever, redness of the leg, or leg sores. Call your provider right away if your varicose veins suddenly get worse or you notice a sore.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine your legs, review your risk factors, and refer you to a vein specialist when needed.
Common questions
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins happen when the valves that control the flow of blood in your veins do not work properly. Blood then builds up and puts pressure on the vein, which makes it swell and twist.
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Varicose veins are not usually serious, but sometimes you may need medical help. They can sometimes cause bleeding, long-lasting leg sores, or blood clots. Call 911 if you see any bleeding from varicose veins.
Do varicose veins go away on their own?
Varicose veins tend to get worse over time instead of going away. Those that appear in pregnancy often get better or go away after the baby is born.
Do compression stockings cure varicose veins?
No. Compression therapy only relieves symptoms. Most providers now recommend procedures to correct the reflux problem that is causing varicose veins.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
