What Are Varicose Veins?
Medically verified
Last updated on 1/30/2026
By Dr. Michael Nguyen
Vein Doctor at Vein Treatment Clinic
Harvard Medical School
Board Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine
Some people notice varicose veins only because of appearance, while others experience symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling, or fatigue in the legs.
If you’re unsure whether your veins are truly varicose veins or something else, a vein evaluation can help clarify what’s happening.
Table of contents
1. What exactly are varicose veins?
2. Why do varicose veins usually appear in the legs?
3. How are varicose veins different from normal veins?
4. What do varicose veins look like?
5. Are varicose veins the same as spider veins?
6. Do varicose veins always cause symptoms?
7. Are varicose veins a medical condition or cosmetic issue?
8. Can varicose veins be prevented?
9. About the Medical Team at Vein Treatment Clinic
Get treated by vein treatment industry leaders
What exactly are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged because blood is not flowing efficiently back toward the heart, causing blood to pool inside the vein.
Over time, the increased pressure stretches the vein walls, making the vein wider, twisted, and more visible.
Think you have varicose veins? Schedule a Professional Evaluation
Why do varicose veins usually appear in the legs?
Prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, and aging increase strain on leg veins and contribute to varicose vein formation.
How are varicose veins different from normal veins?
Normal veins have one-way valves that keep blood moving toward the heart. Varicose veins develop when these valves weaken or stop closing properly.
As a result, blood flows backward and collects in the vein, causing enlargement and distortion.
When should you worry? See the 5 Warning Signs of Dangerous Veins
Symptom Checker
What do varicose veins look like?
Varicose veins often appear as bulging, rope-like veins that are blue or purple in color and raised above the skin.
The appearance can range from mildly enlarged veins to prominent, twisted veins, depending on severity.
See examples of varicose veins in our before-and-after gallery
Are varicose veins the same as spider veins?
No. Varicose veins are larger than spider veins, which are small surface veins that form red or blue web-like patterns. Varicose Veins can look like “worms” underneath the skin.
While spider veins are often cosmetic, varicose veins are more likely to be associated with underlying circulation problems.
Do varicose veins always cause symptoms?
Others experience aching, heaviness, swelling, itching, or leg fatigue, especially after long periods of standing.
Hidden issues? Learn Why Asymptomatic Veins Still Matter
Results that speak for themselves
You can expect results like these with our specialized treatments for spider & varicose veins performed by the best experts in the country.
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.
Before
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
Are varicose veins a medical condition or cosmetic issue?
Varicose veins can be cosmetic, medical, or both. Symptoms and underlying venous insufficiency often determine medical significance.
A vein evaluation helps clarify whether treatment is recommended for health reasons or appearance alone.
Can varicose veins be prevented?
Some risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be changed. Regular movement, such as walking, leg elevation, and avoiding prolonged standing, may help reduce progression.
These measures may ease symptoms, but do not reverse valve damage once it has occurred.
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< Varicose Veins
Spider veins vs Varicose veins >
About the Medical Team at Vein Treatment Clinic
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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Start Your Journey to Pain-Free Legs
If you’d like clarity about whether your veins are varicose veins and what next steps make sense, a vein evaluation can help guide that decision.
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