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How can you recognize varicose veins?
A suspicion of varicose veins arises from visible veins or from typical symptoms like aching legs, swollen feet and dry skin. How to recognize them and confirm the diagnosis.
- Varicose veins can develop at any age and become more common over time.
- When they protrude, they are easy to recognize as winding, swollen veins.
- Early symptoms include aching legs, swollen feet, dry skin and spider veins.
- A duplex or Doppler ultrasound confirms the diagnosis.
- Once identified, a varicose vein can be treated without surgery.
Varicose veins are unsightly, protruding veins that can develop at any age. Studies have found impaired venous function in 10% of schoolchildren aged 11 to 18, and the frequency rises steadily with age. About half of the population is affected: visible varicose veins appear in 20 to 25% of women and somewhat less often in men. So how do you recognize them?
Visible varicose veins
When varicose veins protrude, they are very easy to spot: they show up as winding, swollen structures, usually on the legs. They form because the valves inside the veins no longer close properly. As a result, the veins can no longer push blood efficiently against gravity from the legs toward the heart, and part of the blood flows back down (venous reflux).
Once identified, a varicose vein can be treated without surgery: echotherapy closes it without an incision.
Typical symptoms of varicose veins
A suspicion can also arise from typical symptoms. Even if they are often nonspecific in the early stage, they can be seen as warning signs. Early symptoms usually include:
- Aching and heavy legs
- Swollen feet
- Dry skin
- The appearance of spider veins
- Itching along the veins
Medical diagnosis of varicose veins
To get certainty, you should see a specialist. Vascular surgeons and phlebologists have the right diagnostic tools to assess a possible chronic venous insufficiency. The doctor first asks about your symptoms and medical history, then performs a special ultrasound scan (duplex or Doppler). This shows the venous blood flow: if the blood partly flows back down (venous reflux), the doctor sees it and can check whether and how well the valves still close.
In most cases, this is enough for a clear diagnosis and to decide on the next steps.
Wondering whether echotherapy is available near you? A growing network of centers is already equipped with SONOVEIN.
Questions fréquentes
How can you recognize varicose veins?
When they protrude, they are visible as winding, swollen veins on the legs; otherwise, symptoms and an ultrasound help.
What are the early symptoms?
Aching and heavy legs, swollen feet, dry skin, itching and the appearance of spider veins.
At what age do varicose veins appear?
At any age: studies find impaired venous function even in some schoolchildren, and the frequency rises with age.
How is the diagnosis confirmed?
With a special ultrasound (duplex or Doppler) that shows the blood flow and whether the valves still close.
Can varicose veins be treated?
Yes, and without surgery: echotherapy closes the vein with ultrasound, without an incision.