Varicose veins
Key facts
- Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels under the skin, most often seen in your legs.
- They can develop if the valves inside your veins are damaged.
- Varicose veins can cause leg pain, itching, swollen ankles and skin changes in your legs.
- There are treatments for varicose veins, including injection therapy, laser, surgery and self-care treatments.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted blood vessels just under your skin, usually in the legs.
Varicose veins are common, and they are seen more often in females.
Varicose veins can develop or get worse during pregnancy. Visit Pregnancy Birth and Baby for specific information on varicose veins in pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Many people don't notice any symptoms with varicose veins, other than enlarged veins. Varicose veins can be small (2mm to 3mm across) or large (2cm to 3cm across).
Some people have varicose veins that are not visible.
Other symptoms of varicose veins are:
- mild aching, throbbing or burning leg pain
- tiredness in your legs
- itchy skin over the veins in your legs
- heaviness, cramping or restless legs
- swollen ankles
- darkening or a change in colour of the skin over your ankles
Symptoms may be worse at the end of the day or after standing.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes varicose veins?
Healthy leg veins have tiny one-way valves to help blood flow up to your heart. Varicose veins happen when these valves in the veins become damaged or stop working. This causes blood to flow back down your leg and pool in your veins, stretching them.
What can increase my risk of varicose veins?
Varicose veins become more common as you get older.
You are also more likely to develop varicose veins if you:
- have a family history of varicose veins
- have previously had a blood clot in your leg
- are overweight or obese
- are pregnant
- stand for long periods of time
When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor if:
- your symptoms are bothering you
- you are concerned about your varicose veins
- you have skin colour changes on your legs
- you would like treatment for your varicose veins
Your doctor may refer you to a vascular surgeon for treatment.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your legs. They will look at and feel your veins and examine the skin on your legs.
Your doctor may recommend having an ultrasound scan of your legs to help make the diagnosis of varicose veins.
How are varicose veins treated?
There are several treatments for varicose veins. The best option for you will depend on:
- where your varicose veins are
- how severe they are
- your overall health
Some treatment options are:
- sclerotherapy — this involves using a thin needle to inject a chemical into your varicose veins, which blocks them
- laser or ablation therapy — these treatments use heat to seal the varicose veins
- surgery — this involves removing your varicose veins through cuts in your skin
Sometimes these treatments need to be repeated.
Compression stockings
Your doctor might suggest you wear compression stockings. These create gentle pressure that stops blood pooling in your legs.
Compression stockings should be prescribed and fitted so that you get the right amount of compression. Talk to your doctor about compression stockings.
Self-care for varicose veins
Try not to stand for too long. If this can't be avoided, try to walk around. Walking makes your leg muscles contract, which helps blood flow up to your heart.
Get some exercise — this helps with blood flow. If you are overweight, losing weight can help.
It can also help to elevate your legs (put your feet up) when possible.
What are the complications of varicose veins?
If you have varicose veins, you could develop:
- varicose eczema — an itchy rash with a change in skin colour
- leg ulcers — sores on your leg, usually just above the ankle
- bleeding from the varicose veins
- 'superficial thrombophlebitis' — when blood clots form in your varicose veins and the veins become hard, red, hot and painful (inflamed)
See your doctor as soon as possible if you have any complications from varicose veins.
Can varicose veins be prevented?
Nothing has been shown to prevent varicose veins. But it may be helpful to:
- avoid too much sitting or standing
- lose weight (if you are overweight)
- get regular physical activity
- put your feet up when you are sitting
Resources and support
There is information on varicose veins at the Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery (ANZSVS).
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: August 2024
