Varicose Veins: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Ways to Manage Them
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Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen and twisted veins that usually appear close to the surface of the skin, particularly on the legs, ankles and feet. They may look blue, purple or rope-like and can sometimes cause aching, heaviness, swelling, itching or muscle cramps.
The main problem begins with the tiny one-way valves inside the veins.
Normally, these valves help blood travel upward toward the heart against gravity. When the vein walls or valves become weak or damaged, some blood can flow backward and pool inside the vein. This increases pressure on the vein wall, causing the vessel to enlarge and become twisted or bulging.
For some people, varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic concern. For others, they can cause persistent symptoms or occur alongside chronic venous disease. That's why painful or progressively worsening veins shouldn't simply be ignored.
How Do Varicose Veins Develop?
Your leg veins have an uphill job.
They have to return blood from your feet and legs to your heart while working against gravity. The calf-muscle pump and one-way venous valves help make this possible.
When you walk, your calf muscles contract and help push blood upward. The valves then help prevent the blood from flowing backward.
If those valves become incompetent, blood can move in the wrong direction and accumulate in the lower legs. Over time, this increased venous pressure can contribute to enlarged and twisted veins.
This is why regular movement can be helpful for people concerned about venous circulation.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins don't always have one single cause. Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing them.
1. Weak or Damaged Vein Valves
The most important mechanism is often valve dysfunction.
When valves don't close properly, blood can flow backward and pool inside the vein. This increases pressure and can cause the vein to swell and become more visible.
2. Age
Varicose veins become more common with age because veins can gradually lose elasticity and the valves may become less efficient.
3. Family History
Genetics can play a role. If varicose veins are common among biological family members, your risk may be higher.
4. Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy increases blood volume and can increase pressure on the veins of the lower body. Hormonal changes can also affect vein walls.
Menopause and estrogen-containing contraceptives may also influence venous health.
5. Prolonged Sitting or Standing
Spending long periods in one position can reduce regular movement of the calf muscles and may contribute to poor venous return.
This can be particularly relevant for:
- Office workers
- Teachers
- Nurses
- Drivers
- Retail workers
- People who travel frequently
6. Overweight or Obesity
Excess body weight can increase pressure on the blood vessels of the lower limbs and is associated with a higher risk of varicose veins.
What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?
Some people have visible varicose veins without significant discomfort. Others experience symptoms that become more noticeable after prolonged sitting, standing or physical activity.
Common symptoms include:
Visible, Bulging Veins
Veins may appear:
- Blue or purple
- Twisted
- Rope-like
- Enlarged
- Clustered beneath the skin
Leg Heaviness
Your legs may feel tired, heavy or sluggish, particularly toward the end of the day.
Aching or Throbbing
Some people experience aching, soreness, burning or throbbing around the affected veins.
Swelling
Swelling may develop around the:
- Ankles
- Feet
- Lower legs
Muscle Cramps
Some people experience leg cramps, particularly after prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
Itching
The skin around a varicose vein can sometimes become itchy or irritated.
Skin Changes
More advanced venous problems can be associated with changes in skin colour, inflammation, hardening or ulcers.
Varicose Veins vs Spider Veins: What's the Difference?
The two are related but aren't exactly the same.
Varicose veins are larger, swollen and often twisted veins that can bulge underneath the skin.
Spider veins are much smaller and typically appear as thin red, blue or purple lines that may form a web-like pattern.
Spider veins are generally less prominent, while varicose veins are more likely to cause symptoms such as heaviness, aching and swelling.
Can Varicose Veins Go Back to Normal?
This is one of the most common questions.
Unfortunately, established varicose veins caused by faulty valves don't usually disappear simply because you exercise more or change your diet.
Lifestyle measures can improve circulation and help manage symptoms, but they don't repair an incompetent vein valve.
Medical treatments can close, remove or redirect blood flow away from problematic veins when treatment is necessary.
So it's better to think about management in two parts:
Support healthy circulation + treat problematic veins when medically necessary.
How to Manage Varicose Veins at Home
If symptoms are mild, everyday habits can help support circulation and reduce discomfort.
1. Stay Physically Active
Walking is one of the simplest ways to keep your calf muscles working.
Regular physical activity helps support blood flow and may relieve some varicose-vein symptoms.
Useful activities can include:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Calf raises
- Ankle movements
- Gentle mobility exercises
You don't need an extreme workout. Consistent movement throughout the day is often more practical.
2. Avoid Sitting or Standing Still for Long Periods
If you're sitting at a desk, driving or travelling for long periods, take regular movement breaks.
Try:
- Walking for a few minutes
- Moving your ankles
- Performing calf raises
- Changing your sitting position
If your job requires standing, shifting positions and walking periodically can also help keep the calf muscles active.
3. Elevate Your Legs
When resting, elevating your legs can help blood return from the lower limbs.
You can place your legs on a cushion or footrest while lying down.
Cleveland Clinic recommends elevating the legs above heart level several times throughout the day as part of symptom management.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the veins of the lower limbs.
It can also support overall cardiovascular health.
5. Consider Compression Therapy
Compression stockings apply controlled pressure to the legs and can help support venous circulation and reduce swelling in some people.
However, compression isn't a cure for damaged vein valves.
The appropriate compression level depends on the individual, so people with significant circulation problems should consult a healthcare professional before choosing compression garments.
What Is the Best Treatment for Varicose Veins?
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the affected veins and the underlying venous problem.
Options can include conservative management as well as medical procedures.
Compression Stockings
Compression can help improve blood flow and manage symptoms such as swelling.
Sclerotherapy
During sclerotherapy, a healthcare professional injects a solution into the affected vein. The solution causes the vein to close, after which the body gradually absorbs it.
Endovenous Thermal Ablation
This minimally invasive procedure uses heat delivered through a catheter to close an affected vein.
Laser and radiofrequency techniques are commonly used.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
A healthcare professional removes problematic superficial veins through small skin punctures.
Ligation and Stripping
Traditional surgery involves tying off the affected vein and removing it. It may be considered when other treatments aren't appropriate.
The right treatment should be determined after clinical evaluation rather than simply choosing the most aggressive option.
Can Varicose Veins Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes.
Many people with symptomatic varicose veins can be treated using minimally invasive techniques rather than traditional open surgery.
Depending on the individual case, options may include sclerotherapy, laser treatment or radiofrequency/endovenous thermal ablation.
However, whether a procedure is appropriate depends on the underlying veins and symptoms.
A healthcare professional may use physical examination and, when necessary, ultrasound to evaluate the veins.
Can Walking Make Varicose Veins Worse?
For most people, walking is not something that needs to be avoided because of varicose veins.
In fact, staying active is generally recommended because movement activates the calf muscles and supports circulation.
If walking causes significant pain, swelling or unusual symptoms, however, don't simply push through it. Get the symptoms assessed.
What Foods Should You Avoid With Varicose Veins?
There isn't a particular food that can remove varicose veins.
Instead, focus on an overall balanced eating pattern that supports cardiovascular and vascular health.
It may be sensible to limit excessive:
- Highly processed foods
- High-sodium foods
- Added sugars
- Foods that contribute to unwanted weight gain when eaten frequently
Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, adequate protein and fluids.
And while foods containing antioxidants and flavonoids can be part of a healthy diet, no single fruit, spice or food can repair a damaged venous valve.
Can Massage Remove Varicose Veins?
Massage may feel relaxing and may temporarily improve comfort, but it cannot repair damaged vein valves or permanently remove established varicose veins.
If you have a painful, red, warm or significantly swollen vein, speak with a healthcare professional instead of trying to massage the area yourself.
Can Supplements Support Vein Health?
This is where certain venoactive compounds become relevant.
Venoactive substances are compounds that have been studied for their potential effects on venous tone, microcirculation, swelling and symptoms associated with chronic venous disease.
Research has investigated several compounds, including:
- Diosmin
- Hesperidin
- Horse chestnut seed extract
- Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola)
Importantly, research on an ingredient doesn't automatically mean that a particular supplement can cure or reverse varicose veins.
The evidence is primarily relevant to supporting venous health and managing certain symptoms.
Varinorm: 4-Ingredient Support for Vein Health
QTWAYS Varinorm™ Advanced Vein Care Tablets combines four ingredients commonly researched in the context of venous health:
- Diosmin – 450 mg
- Hesperidin – 50 mg
- Horse Chestnut Seed Extract – 162 mg
- Gotu Kola – 30 mg
The product is available as a 30-tablet pack.
Rather than positioning these ingredients as a cure for varicose veins, it is more accurate to view them as nutritional support for vein health and circulation.
Diosmin for Vein Health
Diosmin is a flavonoid that has been extensively studied as a venoactive compound.
Research reviews have found that diosmin and diosmin-containing preparations can improve symptoms associated with chronic venous disorders. One review of clinical studies reported reductions in chronic venous disease symptom intensity with diosmin or micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF).
Diosmin is therefore particularly interesting for people experiencing symptoms such as:
- Leg heaviness
- Aching
- Swelling
- Discomfort associated with chronic venous disease
However, the evidence should not be interpreted as proof that diosmin can make established varicose veins disappear.
Hesperidin for Venous Support
Hesperidin is another citrus-derived flavonoid frequently studied alongside diosmin.
Diosmin and hesperidin are commonly used together in venoactive formulations, including MPFF preparations.
Clinical evidence suggests that diosmin-containing preparations can help reduce symptoms associated with chronic venous disorders, although evidence quality and outcomes vary across studies.
In Varinorm, 450 mg diosmin is combined with 50 mg hesperidin.
Horse Chestnut Seed Extract for Varicose Vein Symptoms
Horse chestnut seed extract is one of the more extensively studied herbal ingredients for chronic venous insufficiency.
Its primary studied active component is escin.
A Cochrane review covering 17 randomized controlled trials found that standardized horse chestnut seed extract was associated with improvements in symptoms such as leg pain, edema and itching over short-term periods. However, the review also noted that larger, more definitive studies were needed.
The NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health similarly notes that research suggests potential benefits for symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, while emphasizing limitations in the evidence.
An important safety point
Raw horse chestnut seeds, bark, flowers and leaves aren't safe to consume because they contain toxic components.
Research involving oral supplementation has focused on appropriately prepared, standardized extracts.
Gotu Kola for Vein Health
Gotu Kola, or Centella asiatica, is another botanical studied for chronic venous insufficiency.
A systematic review of eight studies found improvements in several microcirculatory measures and reported potential improvements in symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency. However, the researchers also highlighted limitations in the available evidence.
This makes Gotu Kola an interesting supportive ingredient, but again, it should not be described as a treatment that can physically remove varicose veins.
What Does the Research Say About These Ingredients?
The evidence is more nuanced than simply saying that a supplement "treats varicose veins."
Research supports the idea that some venoactive compounds can help with symptoms associated with chronic venous disease, particularly discomfort, heaviness, edema and other circulation-related symptoms. However, study quality, formulations and outcomes vary.
For example:
| Ingredient | What research suggests | Evidence consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Diosmin | May help venous-disease symptoms such as heaviness, pain and swelling | Evidence exists, but guideline strength varies |
| Hesperidin | Commonly studied alongside diosmin in venoactive preparations | Combination evidence is more established than standalone claims |
| Horse Chestnut | May improve leg pain, swelling and itching in chronic venous insufficiency | Short-term evidence is promising; larger trials needed |
| Gotu Kola | May support microcirculation and some CVI symptoms | Evidence is promising but more limited |
This is why ingredient-level evidence should not be confused with clinical proof of a specific finished product.
How to Support Vein Health Every Day
A supplement, when appropriate, works best as part of a broader lifestyle routine.
During the Day
- Walk regularly.
- Avoid staying completely still for prolonged periods.
- Move your ankles and perform calf raises.
- Take breaks from prolonged sitting.
When Resting
- Elevate your legs.
- Avoid spending the entire evening in one static position.
For Long Travel
- Move your legs regularly.
- Get up and walk when practical.
- Discuss compression with a healthcare professional if you have venous problems.
If You Use a Supplement
Follow the product label and speak with your healthcare professional if you take prescription medicines or have an existing medical condition.
For Varinorm, the product page currently lists one tablet twice daily after meals or as directed by a healthcare professional.
View Varinorm ingredients, directions and product details
When Should You See a Doctor for Varicose Veins?
Not every visible varicose vein is an emergency, but certain symptoms should be evaluated.
See a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Significant swelling
- Redness or warmth around a vein
- Skin colour changes
- Skin sores or ulcers
- Bleeding from a varicose vein
- A painful or hardened vein
Cleveland Clinic recommends prompt medical attention when a varicose vein or nearby skin becomes painful, red/discoloured, warm or swollen. Heavy bleeding requires emergency attention.
Varicose veins can also be associated with complications such as superficial thrombophlebitis, and people with varicose veins have an increased risk of deep-vein thrombosis. A blood clot that travels to the lungs can cause a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Sudden significant leg swelling or pain, particularly with symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, should not be assumed to be ordinary varicose veins and requires urgent medical assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Varicose Veins
Can varicose veins go back to normal?
Established varicose veins caused by faulty valves generally don't disappear naturally. Lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and support circulation, while medical procedures can close or remove problematic veins when appropriate.
How can I reduce varicose veins quickly?
There isn't a reliable overnight treatment. Walking, leg elevation and appropriate compression may help manage symptoms, while procedures such as sclerotherapy or endovenous ablation can treat problematic veins.
What is the best treatment for varicose veins?
There isn't one treatment that's best for everyone. Treatment depends on the affected veins, symptoms and clinical findings. Options include compression, sclerotherapy, endovenous thermal ablation, phlebectomy and surgery.
Can varicose veins be removed without surgery?
Yes. Minimally invasive treatments such as sclerotherapy and endovenous thermal ablation can treat many varicose veins without traditional open surgery.
What is the best exercise for varicose veins?
Walking is a simple option because it activates the calf muscles. Cycling, swimming, ankle movements and calf raises can also keep the legs moving.
Can walking make varicose veins worse?
Walking generally supports circulation and is recommended as part of an active lifestyle. If walking consistently causes significant pain or swelling, speak with a healthcare professional.
Can massage remove varicose veins?
No. Massage cannot repair faulty vein valves or permanently remove established varicose veins. It may feel relaxing, but persistent or painful symptoms should be medically evaluated.
What food should I avoid with varicose veins?
There is no specific food that directly removes varicose veins. Focus instead on a balanced diet and avoid excessive intake of highly processed, high-sodium and high-sugar foods.
Can turmeric remove varicose veins?
There is no good evidence that turmeric can physically remove established varicose veins. A healthy diet can support overall health, but damaged venous valves require appropriate medical evaluation when symptomatic.
Which drink is good for varicose veins?
There is no single drink proven to eliminate varicose veins. Staying adequately hydrated and maintaining an overall healthy diet are more useful approaches.
Can supplements cure varicose veins?
No. Some venoactive ingredients have been studied for symptoms associated with chronic venous disease, but supplements shouldn't be presented as replacements for medical evaluation or procedures when those are needed.
Can Varinorm replace medical treatment?
No. Varinorm is a nutritional supplement formulated with diosmin, hesperidin, horse chestnut seed extract and gotu kola. It should be considered supportive care for vein health, not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.
The Bottom Line
Varicose veins develop when blood doesn't move efficiently through the veins of the legs, often because weakened or damaged valves allow blood to flow backward and pool. Age, genetics, pregnancy, hormonal changes, prolonged sitting or standing and excess body weight can all contribute.
Regular movement, leg elevation, weight management and appropriate compression can help support circulation and manage symptoms. When varicose veins become painful, swollen or otherwise problematic, medical treatments such as sclerotherapy and endovenous thermal ablation may provide more definitive treatment.
For people looking for nutritional support, ingredients such as diosmin, hesperidin, standardized horse chestnut seed extract and gotu kola have been researched in the context of chronic venous disease. Evidence is particularly relevant to symptoms such as leg pain, heaviness, swelling and itching, although the quality and strength of evidence varies by ingredient and formulation.
QTWAYS Varinorm combines these four ingredients in a single formula designed to support vein health and circulation.
Explore QTWAYS Varinorm™ Advanced Vein Care Tablets
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Varicose veins can sometimes be associated with underlying chronic venous disease or complications. If you have persistent pain, swelling, skin changes, bleeding or other concerning symptoms, consult a qualified healthcare professional. Before taking any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medicines or have an existing medical condition, seek professional medical advice
