Do Varicose Veins Get Worse Over Time?
Medically verified
Last updated on 1/29/2026
By Dr. Michael Nguyen
Vein Doctor at Vein Treatment Clinic
Harvard Medical School
Board Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine
Varicose veins often begin gradually, which leads many people to wonder whether they will stay the same or worsen over time.
For some individuals, varicose veins remain relatively stable for years. For others, they progress and lead to increasing symptoms or skin changes.
Understanding how and why varicose veins can worsen helps patients recognize early warning signs and decide when evaluation or treatment may be helpful.
If you’re noticing changes in your veins or symptoms over time, a vein evaluation can help clarify what’s happening.
Table of contents
1. Do varicose veins always get worse?
2. Why varicose veins can worsen over time
3. What signs suggest progression is happening?
4. Can symptoms worsen even if veins look the same?
5. Does untreated vein disease increase risk over time?
6. Do lifestyle changes stop progression?
7. How fast do varicose veins progress?
8. When is progression a reason for treatment?
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Do varicose veins always get worse?
Not always. Some people have varicose veins that remain mild and cause little change over time.
However, varicose veins are often part of an underlying vein condition, which means progression is possible.
Why varicose veins can worsen over time
Varicose veins develop due to valve failure inside the veins. Once valves are damaged, they do not repair themselves.
Ongoing backward blood flow increases pressure in the veins, which can gradually worsen vein enlargement and symptoms.
What signs suggest progression is happening?
Signs of progression may include increasing vein size, more visible veins, worsening leg pain, swelling, or heaviness.
Skin changes such as darkening, itching, or thickening near the ankles can also indicate progression..
Symptom Checker
Can symptoms worsen even if veins look the same?
Yes. Symptoms can worsen even when visible veins appear unchanged.
Vein function beneath the surface may decline before appearance changes become obvious.
Does untreated vein disease increase risk over time?
Untreated varicose veins can increase the risk of chronic venous insufficiency.
Over time, this may lead to persistent swelling, skin damage, inflammation, or venous ulcers.
Do lifestyle changes stop progression?
Lifestyle measures such as walking, leg elevation, compression, and avoiding prolonged standing may reduce symptoms.
While helpful, these steps do not reverse valve damage and may not stop progression entirely.
How fast do varicose veins progress?
Progression varies widely. Some people notice slow changes over many years, while others experience faster worsening.
Genetics, age, activity level, pregnancy, and overall vein health all influence progression speed.
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Before
After
A 37-year-old patient visited our Vein Treatment Clinic, seeking relief from unsightly and painful varicose and spider veins. We performed radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments, significantly improving the veins’ appearance and completely eliminating discomfort. The patient is now enjoying a more active and pain-free lifestyle.
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After
A 69 year-old patient visited our California Vein Clinic, embarrassed by spider veins that had impacted their self-esteem. We performed radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments, leaving their legs smooth and healthy. The patient now feels more confident, thanks to this transformative treatment.
Before
After
This 84 year-old patient at our New Jersey Vein Treatment Clinic came in with spider veins that had affected their daily routine. We used radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments to relieve discomfort and restore both their leg health and confidence. The patient now enjoys a more active and fulfilling lifestyle, free from pain.
Before
After
At our Long Island Vein Clinic, we treated this 75 year-old patient with spider veins using radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy. These minimally invasive treatments improved both the patient’s appearance and overall well-being, offering transformative results.
Before
After
This 75 year-old patient visited our Long Island Vein Treatment Clinic with painful spider veins. We used radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy, minimally invasive treatments, to eliminate the veins and restore comfort and confidence. The patient experienced life-changing results
When is progression a reason for treatment?
Progression varies widely. Some people notice slow changes over many years, while others experience faster worsening.
Genetics, age, activity level, pregnancy, and overall vein health all influence progression speed.
When is progression a reason for treatment?
Treatment may be considered when varicose veins cause increasing discomfort, interfere with daily life, or lead to skin changes.
Early evaluation can help address problems before complications develop.
Learn more about choosing the best treatment for varicose veins
How much does varicose vein treatment cost and is it covered by insurance?
Cost varies based on treatment type, extent of vein disease, and insurance coverage.
When treatment is medically necessary, insurance often covers part or all of the care.
Most PPO insurances cover vein treatment!
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When should you see a vein specialist?
Evaluation is recommended if varicose veins cause pain, swelling, skin changes, or interfere with daily activities.
Seeing a specialist helps determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
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What Are Varicose Veins? >
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Vein Treatment Clinic is powered by VIP Medical Group and built around a single guiding principle: deliver the highest standard of vein care using an academic, evidence-based approach combined with the most advanced, minimally invasive technology available today.
Clinical leadership at Vein Treatment Clinic is guided by a panel of board-certified vein specialists responsible for establishing and maintaining the clinic’s medical standards. Their approach reflects training and experience developed at nationally recognized academic institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Mount Sinai, with a focus on disciplined evaluation, accuracy, and outcomes-driven care.
All physicians at Vein Treatment Clinic follow a structured, highly standardized clinical model. This includes ongoing training in the latest non-surgical vein treatments, continuous review of emerging research, and strict adherence to proven safety and quality protocols. The approach reflects the values of academic medicine: thoughtful evaluation, disciplined decision-making, and a commitment to outcomes grounded in science.
Patients benefit from a team-based model of care where expertise is shared, best practices are consistently applied, and treatment recommendations are driven by data, experience, and long-term results. This ensures that every patient receives the same high level of care, regardless of which physician they see.
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At Vein Treatment Clinic, education is considered a core part of treatment. Patients are encouraged to understand their condition, their options, and the reasoning behind each recommendation, so they can move forward with clarity and confidence.
If you’d like clarity about whether your varicosas may worsen over time and what next steps make sense, a vein evaluation can help guide that decision.
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