Varicose vein symptoms

Symptoms of varicose veins range from visible veins to pain and swelling



S.A.C. Dip (Diet, Exercise & Fitness), Advanced Human Anatomy & Physiology Level 3
@ActiveLouise
Ask a question

An introduction to varicose vein symptoms

Varicose veins occur when veins become stretched, twisted, swollen or damaged. This leads to a disturbance in the normal flow of blood from the legs back to the heart.

Stretching of the vein causes damage to the small valves found inside veins – they start to ‘leak’, allowing blood to flow backwards towards the feet. Varicose veins can be found anywhere in the body but are most common in the legs. The rest of this page will refer only to varicose veins in the legs.

It has been estimated that over 30% of adults will develop varicose veins at some point in their lives. Many will not experience any symptoms. However, for others, symptoms of varicose veins may become problematic. Complications of varicose veins are rare but if these are present it is important to go to a doctor.

Varicose veins symptoms

At the early stages, varicose veins may not give rise to any symptoms apart from a vein which is visible or more prominent.

As the problem develops, a sensation of heaviness, tiredness or aching in the legs may be experienced. These symptoms usually become worse when you have been on your feet, when the weather is hot or when you have been on a long-haul flight.

Symptoms of varicose veins include:

Often these symptoms are normal, but occasionally they can be an indication of a complication. Read our varicose veins complications page for more information.

Venaforce® – Horse Chestnut tablets for varicose veins

30 tabs

£ 13.99

find your local stockist

Treatment for varicose veins. Also available in 60 tablets size.
More info

What's being asked

Do varicose veins make your legs swell?

Yes, varicose veins can make you legs swell. Aside from the visible symptoms, there are a number of ...
Read more >

What can I do to ease the symptoms of varicose veins?

The seeds of horse chestnut have been used for ages to treat varicose veins. Horse chestnut seeds ...
Read more >

Can weight lifting cause varicose veins? I have done radio frequency and the doctor said that this could happen.

There are a variety of causes of varicose veins which include your gender, age and family history. ...
Read more >

How well is your memory working?

Quick and simple tests to assess how well your working memory, short-term memory and long-term memory are working.

Take the test

Here’s what I recommend

As the A. Vogel Circulation expert, I recommend Venaforce® horse chestnut tablets and Venagel, to help ease the symptoms of varicose veins.

Learn more

Healthy & nutritious dinner ideas

Get new recipes in your inbox every week. Sign up now

Can’t Sleep? Take our sleep test for personalised results in under a minute!