Tired of bulging veins or aching legs after a long day? Varicose veins are common — they show up as dark, twisted veins usually on the legs. They can be just cosmetic, but often they bring heaviness, cramps, itching, or swelling. You don’t always need surgery, and simple changes can help a lot.
Veins carry blood back to the heart. Tiny flaps called valves keep blood moving one way. If valves weaken or fail, blood pools and the vein stretches. That causes the visible bulge. Risk factors include age, family history, pregnancy, being overweight, and jobs that require long standing or sitting. Hormones and previous leg injuries also play a role.
Start with things you can do at home. Compression stockings are the easiest, low-risk step. Look for 20–30 mmHg if you have symptoms — they press the veins and improve blood flow. Wear them in the morning before swelling starts and during the day. Try simple moves: walk 20–30 minutes daily, do calf raises (stand on tiptoes 10–20 times), and flex your feet often if you sit a lot. Elevate your legs above heart level for 15–20 minutes a few times a day to reduce swelling.
Watch what you wear. Avoid tight belts or compression at the top of the thigh. Swap high heels for low-heeled shoes; they help the calf muscle pump. Maintain a healthy weight, since extra pounds raise pressure in leg veins. Cut down on salt to limit fluid buildup.
If home care doesn’t help or symptoms worsen, see a doctor. Warning signs that need prompt attention include sudden painful swelling, red warm skin over a vein, bleeding from a vein, or an open sore near the ankle. A vascular specialist can do a duplex ultrasound to check how blood flows and pinpoint problem veins.
Medical options are much less invasive than older surgery. Sclerotherapy injects a solution that closes small to medium veins. For larger veins, endovenous ablation (laser or radiofrequency) heats and seals the vein from the inside. Ambulatory phlebectomy removes bulging segments through tiny cuts. Traditional vein stripping is now rare. Recovery times are short; many people return to normal activity in days, not weeks.
Every treatment has trade-offs. Expect temporary bruising, soreness, or pigment changes. Ask your doctor about risks, the number of sessions needed, and expected results. Check credentials and get a clear cost estimate before you commit.
You don’t have to accept painful, swollen legs as normal. Small daily habits help, and modern procedures can fix persistent problems with low downtime. If you’re unsure where to start, ask your primary care doctor for a vascular referral — it’s an easy next step to feeling better.
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