You’ll Never Guess What Causes Varicose Veins

Many people believe varicose veins are simply a sign of standing or sitting too long. The truth is more complex and more surprising. Understanding what causes varicose veins can help you feel less worried about their occurrence and more confident about treating them.

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The Real Story Behind Varicose Veins Causes

Most commonly found in the legs, varicose veins occur when the valves inside your veins don’t work as they should. These valves keep blood flowing toward the heart. When they weaken, blood can pool in the vein, making it appear enlarged or twisted. This is known as venous insufficiency.

So, what causes varicose veins in your legs? Genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and age are all key factors. While lifestyle plays a role, it’s often a combination of influences rather than one single cause.

The Connection Between Varicose Veins and Movement

There are several effects that extended standing and sitting can have on varicose veins.

Sitting and Circulation

You may wonder: does sitting cause varicose veins? Sitting for long hours can slow circulation, especially when your knees are bent and feet are flat on the floor for extended periods without any movement. Staying in this position for too long makes it harder for blood to flow efficiently through your legs, which can make symptoms like heaviness or swelling more noticeable.

Best Sitting Position for Varicose Veins

For better circulation, aim to keep your feet flat, knees slightly apart, and avoid crossing your legs for long periods. The key is to keep your legs in a relaxed, open position, but not to stay completely still. Stand up, walk, or stretch for a few minutes every 30–60 minutes to keep blood moving.

Standing and Vein Strain

Long periods on your feet can also take a toll on your blood vessels. Unlike with sitting, varicose veins from standing often develop when your veins work against gravity for too long without breaks. This extra pressure can contribute to discomfort and visible changes over time.

Varicose Veins Stages and Symptoms

Varicose veins generally occur gradually and early signs may include subtle, faint blue or purple lines, mild swelling, or a feeling of heaviness in your legs. Over time, varicose veins can progress through different stages:

• Stage 1 - Early Vein Changes: Faint, thin lines or thread-like veins just beneath the skin, often barely raised and causing little to no discomfort.
• Stage 2 - Enlarged Veins: More visible, twisted veins that may cause mild discomfort.
• Stage 3 - Swelling: Ankles and lower legs may swell by the end of the day.
• Stage 4 - Skin Changes: The skin around the ankles may darken or feel irritated.
• Stage 5-6 - Healing or Active Ulcers: In severe cases, skin can break down and ulcers may form.

Varicose veins are fairly common and generally harmless. However, they may result in more serious issues if left untreated and so it’s important to know when to worry about varicose veins. 

You should contact a medical professional if you experience sudden worsening of symptoms, including redness, warmth or severe pain. These can potentially indicate a more serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis which may require care from a specialist like a vascular surgeon.

Approaching Varicose Veins With Self-Care and Comfort 

When it comes to varicose vein treatments, daily self-care practices can help ease discomfort and support skin health. Common options include regular movement, elevating the legs, and wearing supportive hosiery.

Gentle natural oils may also help soothe and moisturize your skin in areas with visible veins. Our H-Varicose Veins Formula contains carefully selected plant-based ingredients that are applied topically to support healthy-looking skin over time.*