The primary cause of varicose veins is weakened vein walls and valves that cause blood to back up or pool inside the veins, resulting in swelling. Vein walls and valves can weaken due to hormones, aging, excess weight, restrictive clothing and long hours of sitting/standing.

Pregnancy varicose veins occur due to increased pressure in the pelvic area caused by the developing child. Varicose veins on legs are the most prolific exhibition of the condition. Varicose veins on ankles are also common. However, you can also have varicose veins on arms, abdomen, buttocks and testicles.

Varicose veins in abdomen are more common among bodybuilders (bodybuilding varicose veins), while varicose veins on buttocks and thighs are common in pregnant women. Varicose veins in testicles (testicular varicose veins) can lead to infertility in men.

There are many options for those seeking how to treat varicose veins. Treatments for varicose veins include self-care, wearing supportive clothing and advanced procedures, such as laser treatment, litigation and stripping, phlebectomy, radiofrequency treatment and sclerotherapy.

Painful varicose veins require prompt treatment to ease the discomfort, while varicose veins in pregnancy can be relieved using simple home self-care practices.

Below is an overview of the popular options used in treating varicose veins:

• Home Treatment: Involves self-care practices like propping up (elevating) your legs above your waist, wearing compression stockings, getting plenty of exercise and avoiding extended periods of standing or sitting. These practices can ease varicose vein symptoms.
• Laser Treatment: Laser treatment for varicose veins involves using laser energy to scar and destroy the veins in a process known as ablation. The doctor uses simple laser therapy for small veins closer to the skin and endovenous laser therapy for veins much further.
• Litigation and Stripping: Involves varicose vein removal accomplished by incisions over the vein. The doctor will cut the varicose vein, tie it off and strip/remove it from the affected area. Phlebectomy is another procedure involving several tiny cuts made through the skin to remove the varicose vein.
• Radiofrequency Treatment: Radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins involves using radiofrequency energy to scar and close large varicose veins deeper in the legs.
• Sclerotherapy: Involves injecting a chemical into the varicose vein to scar and damage the inside lining, causing the vein to close. Sclerotherapy is mainly used for small veins.

The average cost of varicose vein treatment is $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the procedure. Treatment is personalized based on your needs, so you should find an experienced doctor for varicose veins. Your doctor will evaluate the condition and help you determine the best treatment for varicose veins based on your needs. Financing for cosmetic procedures is available.