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 Optional on 09/12/2011 at 05:50

Can you only get varicose veins in your legs or is it possible that you can have them in your forearms or wrists such as the radial artery? My vein in my left forearm has been bulging with itching and aching for the past week. I noticed that many of the causes are applicable to me.

Posted by Optional on 21/11/2011 at 12:59

i have varicous veins of n my both legs and i hate them wat pcocedure u think i should use

Posted by leslie on 08/10/2011 at 07:58

im 20 years old of age why i have varicose vein?someone told me that its better to put cold water,and someone told that its better to put hot water.idont know which them i need to follow.what is true?i need to cold or hot water?

Posted by Optional on 10/03/2011 at 02:23

I had my varicose veins removed with surgery 7 years ago Small procedure. In the hospital for only a night. Although I have noticed they are now coming back on the same leg. Its hereditary. There is also an injection you can get which goes straight into the vein and thins out the blood so the vein isn't so full of blood (the 'rope' looks decreases) I've also put a lot of pressure on my legs. 8 years of dancing up until I was 16 and the past 8 years standing every day working in retail ( which doesn't help)! I hope they don't get much worse as I get older. My dad has them very badly on both legs..

Posted by i wonder on 16/11/2010 at 01:44

are they dangerous cause i have red veins in the back of my leg i'm not sure if its varicose thought but it is red

Posted by Optional on 06/09/2010 at 09:07

all my questions on piles answered - interesting to note that they are not connected with having varicose veins. Have GP appointment tomorrow and website has proved very useful

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

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

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

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

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.