Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and swollen veins, most commonly found in the legs. They occur when the valves in the veins fail to function properly, allowing blood to pool and veins to enlarge. While often a cosmetic concern, varicose veins can sometimes cause discomfort or indicate underlying circulatory problems.

Risk factors are conditions or habits that increase the chance of developing varicose veins.

Age: Veins become weaker as people get older, making valve problems more likely.

Family history:​ If close family members have varicose veins, the risk is higher.

Gender:​ Females are more likely to develop varicose veins due to hormonal changes.

Pregnancy:​ Extra blood flow and pressure on leg veins increase risk.

Overweight or obesity:​ Extra body weight puts more pressure on leg veins.

Standing or sitting for long periods:​ This makes it harder for blood to flow back to the heart.

Lack of physical activity: Without movement, leg muscles don’t help push blood back toward the heart, making blood more likely to pool in the veins.

Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels, weaken veins, and reduce overall circulation, increasing the risk of varicose veins.

Leg Injury or Previous Blood Clots: Previous injuries or clots can damage vein valves or walls, making vein function worse and increasing the chance of varicose veins.

Varicose veins may not always need treatment if they are mild, but for pain, swelling, or cosmetic concerns, treatments include :

Selfcare: Taking care of your legs can help prevent or reduce varicose veins. Regular exercise keeps blood moving in your legs and helps veins stay healthy. Elevating your legs when resting can reduce swelling and pressure. Avoid sitting or standing for too long to keep blood flowing smoothly. Wearing compression stockings can gently push blood back toward the heart, and maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on your leg veins.

Non-Surgical Medical Treatments

Sclerotherapy: In this treatment, a doctor injects a special solution into small or medium-sized varicose veins. The solution irritates the vein walls, causing them to stick together and eventually fade. Over several weeks, the treated veins disappear, and blood is naturally redirected to healthier veins. This method is often used for veins that are visible but not very large.​

Laser Therapy: Laser therapy uses focused light energy to close off tiny veins, including spider veins. The heat from the laser damages the vein walls, making them shrink and gradually disappear. This method does not involve needles or cuts and is often used for cosmetic purposes or very small veins.​

Catheter-Assisted Procedures (Radiofrequency or Laser Ablation): For larger varicose veins, a doctor may insert a thin tube called a catheter into the affected vein. Using heat from radiofrequency or laser energy, the vein is sealed shut. Once closed, blood is naturally rerouted through healthier veins. This method is minimally invasive, requires only small incisions, and helps relieve pain and swelling while improving appearance.

Surgical Treatments

Vein Stripping and Ligation: This procedure is used for large varicose veins. The surgeon makes small cuts in the skin to tie off the affected vein (ligation) and then remove it (stripping). Once removed, blood is redirected through healthy veins. This surgery helps relieve pain, swelling, and other symptoms caused by large, problematic veins.​

Ambulatory Phlebectomy: For smaller varicose veins near the surface, the surgeon makes tiny punctures in the skin to remove the veins. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so patients can usually go home the same day. This method improves the appearance of the legs and reduces discomfort without large incisions.
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Endoscopic Vein Surgery: This is used in severe cases when other treatments are not enough. The surgeon inserts a small camera (endoscope) under the skin to see the veins and remove them through tiny incisions. This minimally invasive approach allows for precise removal of damaged veins and helps prevent complications.​