Why do we get varicose veins?

What Is Venous Reflux?

Healthy veins contain one-way valves that help move blood upward toward the heart.

With venous reflux:

• The valves weaken or become damaged
• Blood flows backward and pools in the legs
• Pressure builds inside the veins

Over time, this pressure may cause:

• Bulging varicose veins
• Spider veins
• Leg swelling
• Skin discoloration
• Leg discomfort

Common Risk Factors for Varicose Veins

Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins, including:

Family History

Genetics are one of the strongest risk factors for venous disease.

Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Jobs involving long periods on the feet or sitting at a desk may increase vein pressure.

Obesity

Additional body weight may place increased pressure on the leg veins.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes and increased pressure during pregnancy can contribute to vein problems.

Gender

Varicose veins are common in both men and women, although they are often more common in women.

What Symptoms Can Varicose Veins Cause?

Varicose veins may lead to:

• Aching or burning pain
• Swelling
• Leg heaviness or fatigue
• Visible bulging veins
• Skin discoloration
• Itching or irritation

Symptoms often worsen after prolonged standing or sitting.

Can Varicose Veins Damage the Skin?

Yes. In more advanced venous disease, increased pressure and poor circulation may eventually lead to:

• Skin discoloration
• Thickened skin
• Inflammation
• Venous ulcers

Early evaluation may help reduce progression of vein disease.

About Dr. Brian Chin

Dr. Brian Chin is a general and minimally invasive surgeon at BASS Medical Group with expertise in vein treatment, bariatric surgery, and laparoscopic surgery. He provides comprehensive care for venous insufficiency and varicose vein disease using modern minimally invasive techniques.

Video Transcript

Varicose veins typically develop as a result of a combination of factors.

While they affect both genders, they tend to be more common in women.

Other factors include family history, obesity, and those who stand for prolonged periods.

However, varicose veins are very common, and many people can develop them even in the absence of any of these risk factors.

They typically develop due to a condition known as venous reflux.

In this condition, the one-way valves in the veins become leaky, causing blood to pool or stagnate in the legs rather than moving smoothly through the veins back to the heart.

This leads to back pressure and the development of bulging veins, known as varicose veins, as well as spider veins.

It can also cause discoloration or damage to the skin of the legs, in addition to causing symptoms such as aching pain, burning, and swelling in the legs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is venous insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency occurs when vein valves stop functioning properly, allowing blood to pool in the legs.

Are varicose veins hereditary?

Yes. Family history is one of the most common risk factors for varicose veins.

Can standing all day cause varicose veins?

Prolonged standing or sitting may increase pressure inside the leg veins and contribute to vein disease.

Are spider veins and varicose veins related?

Yes. Both may develop as part of underlying venous insufficiency and circulation problems.