Medical Condition
Varicose Veins
Enlarged, twisted, bulging leg veins that may be cosmetic — or a sign of underlying venous reflux.
Quick Facts
Common Signs
Bulging or rope-like veins, aching, heaviness, swelling
Often Related To
Venous reflux, chronic venous insufficiency
First Step
Ultrasound vein evaluation
Insurance
Often covered for medical evaluation and treatment when symptoms and ultrasound findings support medical necessity.
Overview
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, bulging veins that often appear on the legs. They may be cosmetic, but they can also signal underlying venous reflux. When vein valves leak, pressure builds, the vein stretches, and symptoms such as aching, heaviness, throbbing, swelling, itching, or tenderness may develop.
Common symptoms
- Bulging or rope-like veins
- Aching or heaviness
- Swelling near the end of the day
- Itching, burning, or tenderness
- Worsening after prolonged standing
Why it happens
Weak or damaged vein valves allow blood to pool in the legs, stretching the vein wall and making the vein visible at the surface.
When to seek evaluation
If varicose veins are uncomfortable, growing, causing skin changes, or affecting daily activity.
How we evaluate it
Standing physical exam and duplex ultrasound when symptoms or bulging veins are present.
Treatment options
Options may include compression, EVLT, RFA, VenaSeal, Varithena, ClariVein, ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy for smaller branches.
Visible varicose veins may be a sign of underlying reflux and should often be evaluated with ultrasound.
Related treatments
Ultrasound Vein Evaluation
Used to evaluate any patient with leg symptoms or visible veins.
Learn about Ultrasound Vein EvaluationEndovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
Refluxing saphenous and tributary veins causing varicose veins or symptoms.
Learn about Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Refluxing saphenous veins driving varicose veins or leg symptoms.
Learn about Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)VenaSeal
Refluxing saphenous veins — typically without the need for tumescent anesthesia.
Learn about VenaSealVarithena
Tortuous or large varicose veins, including some that are difficult to treat with a catheter.
Learn about VarithenaAmbulatory Phlebectomy
Bulging surface varicose veins that remain after closure of the feeding vein.
Learn about Ambulatory PhlebectomyFrequently asked questions
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary; results are not guaranteed. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Next step
Not sure whether your symptoms are cosmetic or medical?
A vein evaluation can help determine whether reflux, visible veins, or another cause may be involved.