Understanding Varicose Vein Symptoms
Heavy, aching legs aren’t just part of aging—they’re often early signs of vein disease. Those visible, twisted veins are more than a cosmetic concern. They’re signals that your circulatory system needs attention.
About Varicose Veins
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that appear just beneath the skin’s surface—most commonly on the legs and feet. While they may look like a simple cosmetic issue, varicose veins are actually a sign that the one-way valves inside your veins have weakened or failed.
Here’s what happens: Your veins are responsible for returning blood from your legs back to your heart, working against gravity every step of the way. Small valves inside each vein open to let blood through, then close to prevent it from flowing backward. When these valves become damaged or weakened—often due to genetics, aging, pregnancy, or prolonged standing—blood begins to pool in the vein instead of moving efficiently upward. This causes the vein to stretch, swell, and twist, creating the characteristic bulging, rope-like appearance of varicose veins.
Left untreated, varicose veins typically worsen over time. What begins as mild discomfort or a cosmetic concern can progress to more serious complications including chronic pain, skin changes, inflammation, and in severe cases, venous ulcers or blood clots. The good news? Early recognition of symptoms and modern, minimally invasive treatments can prevent progression and restore both comfort and confidence.
Is It Varicose Veins?
Not Sure What Your Symptoms Mean? Ask Ava
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Causes and Risk Factors
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins develop when vein valves weaken or fail, but certain factors significantly increase your risk. Understanding what contributes to vein disease helps you recognize symptoms early and take proactive steps to protect your vascular health.
- Family History – Heredity is the strongest predictor of vein disease.
- Age – Vein valves naturally weaken with age. Varicose veins become increasingly common after age 50.
- Gender & Hormonal Influences – Women face higher risk due to hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause that relax vein walls.
- Pregnancy – Increased blood volume and uterine pressure on pelvic veins make pregnancy a significant risk factor.
- Obesity & Excess Weight – Extra weight increases pressure on leg veins, accelerating valve damage and vein stretching.
- Prolonged Standing/Sitting – Occupations requiring extended standing or sitting reduce muscle pump activity, causing blood to pool in veins.
- Lack of Physical Activity – Sedentary lifestyles weaken calf muscles that normally help pump blood back toward the heart.
Advanced Varicose Vein Treatment Options
At Colorado Skin & Vein, we offer the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments available. Our board-certified physicians customize your treatment plan based on your specific vein condition, symptoms, and goals.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Using precise laser energy delivered through a thin fiber, EVLA closes damaged veins from the inside.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Similar to laser treatment, radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat to seal damaged veins. This proven technique offers excellent success rates with minimal discomfort.
VenaSeal™ Closure System
This innovative treatment uses a medical-grade adhesive to seal damaged veins—no heat, no multiple injections. VenaSeal offers rapid recovery with minimal bruising.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy treats both spider veins and smaller varicose veins using an injectable solution that causes treated veins to collapse and fade.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Also called microphlebectomy, this procedure physically removes bulging varicose veins through tiny incisions (2-3mm).
Lifestyle Changes
For mild symptoms or as a complement to medical treatments, lifestyle modifications can help manage varicose vein discomfort.
Common Questions
Your Varicose Veins Questions Answered
Can varicose veins go away on their own?
No. Varicose veins are progressive and won’t resolve without treatment. Once vein valves become damaged, they cannot repair themselves.
The exception: pregnancy-related varicose veins sometimes improve within 3-6 months postpartum as blood volume normalizes. However, veins persisting beyond this period typically require treatment.
Without intervention, the condition generally worsens over time. Additional veins become affected, symptoms intensify, and complications like skin changes or ulcers become more likely. Early treatment prevents progression and reduces complication risk.
When should I see a doctor about varicose veins?
Schedule a consultation if you experience persistent leg pain, aching, heaviness, swelling, nighttime cramping, restless legs, or skin changes near your ankles. Even without severe symptoms, an evaluation is worthwhile if varicose veins affect your confidence or quality of life.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden severe leg pain, significant swelling in one leg, skin ulcers, or bleeding from a varicose vein. Early diagnosis allows for less invasive treatment options.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves physical examination and duplex ultrasound imaging. Your physician examines your legs while you’re standing, looking for visible veins, swelling, skin changes, and tenderness. Duplex ultrasound—the gold standard for diagnosing venous insufficiency—allows your doctor to visualize blood flow, identify malfunctioning valves, and map vein damage.
At Colorado Skin & Vein, we perform diagnostic ultrasound in-house. The painless test takes 30-45 minutes and provides immediate insights.
Is varicose vein treatment covered by insurance?
Treatment is typically covered when medically necessary—meaning your veins cause documented symptoms affecting quality of life and ultrasound confirms venous insufficiency. Qualifying symptoms include pain, aching, heaviness, swelling, cramping, restless legs, skin changes, or venous ulcers. Treatment for cosmetic purposes alone generally isn’t covered.
What is the recovery like after varicose vein treatment?
Recovery is remarkably quick. Most patients resume normal activities—including work, driving, and light exercise—within 24-48 hours. You may experience mild soreness, bruising, or a pulling sensation along treated veins, all temporary and well-managed with over-the-counter pain medication if needed. Walking is encouraged starting the same day.
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For 20 years, Denver-area patients have trusted us for exceptional vascular care. Our combination of medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and personalized attention delivers outcomes that truly transform lives.
