What Causes Varicose Veins? Understanding the Root of the Problem

Do you have bulging, twisted veins on your legs that ache after a long day? Varicose veins often cause not just cosmetic concerns but also pain, swelling, and fatigue. While they can be frustrating or even embarrassing, varicose veins are your body’s way of signaling an underlying circulation issue. The good news? Understanding what causes them is the first step toward relief and healthier legs.

At Elite Vein Specialists, Dr. O’Hare and her experienced team provide individualized, minimally invasive treatments using the latest technology to effectively eliminate varicose and spider veins with little to no downtime. As the Varicose Vein Center of Excellence, their mission is to improve both your vascular health and confidence through compassionate care, advanced techniques, and a patient-first approach from consultation to recovery.

How Varicose Veins Develop

To understand varicose veins, it helps to know how healthy veins function. Veins carry blood back to the heart, and tiny one-way valves inside them keep blood moving in the right direction. If those valves weaken or become damaged, blood pools in the veins instead of flowing upward. This buildup of pressure causes the veins to stretch, twist, and become visible beneath the skin, resulting in the formation of varicose veins.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Factors that contribute to varicose veins include:

• Genetics: If your family members had varicose veins, your chances of developing them increase significantly.
• Age: As you get older, vein walls and valves naturally lose elasticity, making them more prone to malfunction.
• Gender: Women tend to develop varicose veins due to hormonal changes from pregnancy, birth control, or menopause that relax vein walls.
• Pregnancy: The increased blood volume and additional pressure on the veins during pregnancy can result in temporary or permanent varicose veins.
• Occupation: Jobs that involve lengthy periods of standing or sitting can cause poor circulation and increased vein pressure.
• Obesity: Excess weight adds strain on your veins and can lead to valve dysfunction over time.

Discover Lasting Relief with Advanced Varicose Vein Treatment in Walnut Creek, CA

While varicose veins can’t always be prevented, lifestyle changes such as exercising, elevating your legs, and keeping extra weight off can help improve circulation and reduce discomfort. For more advanced cases, treatments such as sclerotherapy, laser therapy, or minimally invasive vein procedures can safely and effectively restore both comfort and confidence.

If you’re noticing symptoms like swelling, pain, or visible veins, it’s time to consult a vein specialist. Call us today at 925-937-8346 to schedule a consultation with Dr. O’Hare. Understanding the cause is the first step toward healthier, pain-free legs.