How To Prevent Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen blood vessels just below the skin’s surface, most often in your legs. They usually have a bluish, bulging, twisting appearance.

You may feel aching, redness, itching, or burning near them. In severe cases, varicose veins can cause complications like blood clots, bleeding, or ulcers (sores).

This common condition is not always preventable, but you can take steps to help reduce your risk of varicose veins

Experts estimate that 10-30% of people have varicose veins, including up to 40 million people in the United States. Some people may be more likely to develop varicose veins than others. Factors that may increase your risk include:

• Older age: People between the ages of 30 and 70 are at the highest risk.
• Female sex: Hormonal changes that happen during puberty or menopause can increase the risk of varicose veins. Taking hormones via birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also increases the risk.
• Pregnancy: Over half of pregnant people in the U.S. develop varicose veins. The condition is usually temporary, but repeated pregnancies can cause it to become permanent.
• Overweight or obesity: Having a higher body weight increases the pressure on the veins in your legs. This can damage or weaken the valves in the veins, causing blood to pool and resulting in varicose veins.
• Prolonged sitting or standing: Regularly sitting or standing for long periods can increase the pressure in your veins. Over time, this can lead to varicose veins.
• History of blood clots: If you’ve had a blood clot in the past, you may be more likely to develop varicose veins. 
• Congenital valve defects: Some people are born with blood valves that do not work properly. These valves may allow blood to pool or back up into the legs, causing varicose veins.
• Family history: If a member of your immediate family has had varicose veins, you may be at higher risk for the condition.

Family history is a risk factor for varicose veins because genetics can play a role. Researchers are still learning exactly how genes may affect the risk of varicose veins. They know that changes to genes that are important for proper vein function may cause weakened vein walls or valves. 

Weakened vein walls or valves may not be able to keep the blood flowing in the right direction—toward the heart. If blood backs up, varicose veins can occur.

It’s not always possible to prevent varicose veins, but there are ways to slow their development and prevent them from getting worse. These steps may help decrease your discomfort and reduce your risk of complications such as bleeding, ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis (blood clots).

Testing and Screenings

If you or your healthcare provider thinks you may be at risk for varicose veins or blood clots, your provider may do a special ultrasound to look at your veins. This imaging test, called a duplex ultrasound, uses sound waves to show how well your blood moves through your veins.

It helps your healthcare provider diagnose varicose veins, which is an important step in managing them to reduce symptoms and risks.

Lifestyle Habits

Adopting certain lifestyle habits can be essential in preventing and managing varicose veins. These habits help reduce pressure in your veins and may improve blood flow. Strategies include:

• Wear compression socks: Compression socks apply pressure to your legs, which helps push blood back toward your heart, reducing pain and swelling in your legs.
• Get regular exercise: Walking and swimming are effective ways to help improve your vascular (vein) health. Try to aim for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
• Maintain a body weight that’s right for you: If your healthcare provider recommends it, losing weight may be a helpful approach. It can help take some pressure off the veins in your legs.
• Avoid standing or sitting for too long: Move around and change your position as often as possible. If you need to stand for extended periods, consider wearing compression socks.
• Raise your legs above your heart while resting: Elevate your legs on a stack of pillows or against a wall when lying down. To help get the blood flowing, you can move your legs as if you’re riding a bike. It may be helpful to elevate your legs several times per day for 5-15 minutes each time.
• Avoid smoking: If you smoke, quitting can help decrease your risk of varicose veins.

Surgery and Procedures

Endovenous ablation can help prevent varicose veins from returning. During the procedure, a surgeon seals the vein shut using radiofrequency, a laser, or a liquid sealant.

Endovenous ablation may be combined with other treatments to help prevent varicose veins from recurring. A surgeon may perform laser ablation and phlebectomy (the removal of small veins through cuts in the skin) in the same session.

If you have symptoms of varicose veins or are worried about your risk, consider talking to a healthcare provider. They will likely ask about your family history of vein symptoms and do a physical exam to check for signs of varicose veins. They may also order a duplex ultrasound.

If your provider notices signs of varicose veins, they may recommend that you start wearing compression socks. If compression socks irritate your skin or cause other discomfort, let them know. They will likely recommend that you avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing by moving around as much as possible.

Varicose veins are a common condition, especially in older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with a family history of varicose veins.

Wearing compression socks, getting regular exercise, and elevating your legs above your heart when you rest may help reduce your risk of developing varicose veins.

These precautions may also help prevent future varicose veins and potential complications.