Varicose veins

A bulging section of blue, twisted vein on the back of a person's calf or thigh is a common sight 10–15% of men and 20–25% of women have visible veins. A varicose vein is actually a vein that has lost its elasticity. Its wall has become flabby, so that it easily becomes swollen with blood.

Who gets varicose veins

Varicose veins affect both men and women.
You can get varicose veins at any age (even as a teenager), but they are more likely as you get older. They tend to run in families.
Varicose veins may first occur during pregnancy because of hormonal changes that relax the wall of the vein and because of pressure in the veins from the expanding uterus (womb). After the baby is born, there will be a general improvement in the veins, but they often become worse again in later pregnancies.
The contraceptive pill makes varicose veins more likely.
Obesity and repeated abdominal strain (for example, from heavy lifting) may contribute.
A study in Denmark confirmed what is often suspected if your job involves standing or walking for long periods, you are more likely to develop varicose veins (Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005;62:847–50). Long periods of sitting with the legs bent and crossed probably makes varicose veins worse.
Sometimes varicose veins occur after a serious thrombosis (blood clot) in the deep veins, because this may damage the valves at the main junctions.
It has been suggested that a diet low in fibre increases the likelihood of varicose veins (because if we are constipated we have to strain to open our bowels, which puts pressure on the veins), but this is unproven.

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Saturday, February 13th 2010

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Comments on this article

Posted by jane on 15/06/2010 at 08:50:50 pm

I have pcos my legs itch so bad that they hurt could this have somthing to do with my pcos? or could this be somthing elas?

Posted by Mary Dorwish on 22/05/2010 at 06:48:09 pm

I'm glad i came upon this website. i must say it is quite informative and helpful. I am a 21 year old, but what bothers me most is; i have varicose veins on my legs and i am really worried about how it will affect me in the future because it hurts especially if i walk for long hours. do you know if surgeries can be done for this? the Varicose veins shows up brightly on my legs because i'm fair skin . however it is not so big but what i noticed it just pains when i lift heavy things or walk for long hours and then the color brightens. someone help?

Posted by Mrs u on 07/04/2010 at 06:50:50 am

I have a fairly large varicose vein at the back of my leg which aches terribly - particularly when the weather is warm, or I have to stand for any length of time. Can I get it treated on the NHS? if so what does the procedure involve? if not, what can I do to make living with it easier? HELP!

Posted by Optional on 24/02/2010 at 01:57:50 am

I found this information very quickly however site did not explain why veins become itchy. Only said "Do not scratch" which is almost impossible. Did find that when veins itchy if elevate legs this seems to ease the itching.