Medical Encyclopaedia › Varicose veins (short definition)
In brief: Varicose veins (varices) are permanently dilated, tortuous superficial veins, usually in the legs. They develop when the venous valves no longer close properly and blood flows back down the legs.
Causes and risk factors
A hereditary weakness of the connective tissue plays the most important role. Other risk factors are older age, pregnancies, overweight, lack of exercise and jobs involving a lot of standing or sitting. Women are affected more often.
Symptoms
Besides the visible finding, many of those affected complain of heavy, tired legs, a feeling of tension, swelling in the evening and night-time calf cramps, especially after standing for long periods and in warm weather. Fine spider veins are usually only a cosmetic issue.
Possible complications
Untreated pronounced varicose veins can lead to chronic venous insufficiency with skin discoloration, eczema and eventually leg ulcers (ulcus cruris). In addition, superficial veins can become inflamed (thrombophlebitis); rarely, deep vein thrombosis develops.
Treatment
The basis is exercise, elevating the legs and medical compression stockings, which are fitted at a medical supply store and can relieve symptoms and slow progression. The varicose veins themselves are treated by sclerotherapy, catheter procedures using laser or radiofrequency energy, vein glue or surgical removal. Which procedure is suitable is decided after an ultrasound examination.
When to see a doctor?
If there are symptoms, skin changes or wounds on the lower legs, an assessment is advisable. Sudden swelling, pain and warmth of a leg can indicate thrombosis and require immediate medical examination.
Related terms in the encyclopaedia
Vein, Chronic venous insufficiency, Compression stockings, Sclerotherapy, Thrombophlebitis, Thrombosis, Ulcus cruris, Phlebology, Medical supply store
Sources
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Phlebologie und Lymphologie (DGPL): S2k-Leitlinie Diagnostik und Therapie der Varikose
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Phlebologie und Lymphologie (DGPL): S2k-Leitlinie Medizinische Kompressionstherapie der Extremitäten
- IQWiG: gesundheitsinformation.de – Gesundheitsinformationen des Instituts für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Last updated: October 2026.