How can I prevent varicose veins?

How can I prevent having varicose veins? I am still at my age of 20, but yet my varicose viens are getting enlarged and more severe.

Answers from doctors (14)


The Vascular Institute at Teton Radiology

Published on Feb 13, 2013

Genetics plays a huge role in the development of varicose veins. Unfortunately, you can't change genetics. If you have a parent or grandparent with varicose veins, you may develop them. Things that make them worse are pregnancy and being on your feet a lot. We see many patients with professions like teaching, nursing, beautician, post office workers, etc. If you have to be on your feet a lot wearing compression hose is beneficial.

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Answered by The Vascular Institute at Teton Radiology

Genetics plays a huge role in the development of varicose veins. Unfortunately, you can't change genetics. If you have a parent or grandparent with varicose veins, you may develop them. Things that make them worse are pregnancy and being on your feet a lot. We see many patients with professions like teaching, nursing, beautician, post office workers, etc. If you have to be on your feet a lot wearing compression hose is beneficial.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Minnesota Vein Center

Published on Jan 27, 2013

Varicose veins are generally hereditary. However, other factors may be involved. Regular exercise, intermittent leg elevation and compression stockings may slow the progression.

Answered by Minnesota Vein Center (View Profile)

Varicose veins are generally hereditary. However, other factors may be involved. Regular exercise, intermittent leg elevation and compression stockings may slow the progression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Pacific Vein Care

Published on Jan 18, 2013

If you have varicose veins at 20 years old, then there is a very good chance that you have an underlying condition known as vein reflux disease (or venous insufficiency). Treat this disease first (venous insufficiency). In most cases, the varicose veins will shrink on their own after the treatment. And most patients are so happy with the outcome that they don't want or need additional treatment of the varicose veins themselves. Start with an ultrasound of the superficial veins of your legs, which could prove that you have reflux disease. If this is the case, get someone to treat it!

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Answered by Pacific Vein Care

If you have varicose veins at 20 years old, then there is a very good chance that you have an underlying condition known as vein reflux disease (or venous insufficiency). Treat this disease first (venous insufficiency). In most cases, the varicose veins will shrink on their own after the treatment. And most patients are so happy with the outcome that they don't want or need additional treatment of the varicose veins themselves. Start with an ultrasound of the superficial veins of your legs, which could prove that you have reflux disease. If this is the case, get someone to treat it!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Jan 10, 2013

There is nothing to prevent various veins; however, compression stockings are palliative.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

There is nothing to prevent various veins; however, compression stockings are palliative.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Dec 27, 2012

There is no known prevention for varicose veins. There are various reasons for varicose veins and your ongoing medical condition. The best way to keep the varicose vein problem under control, is to treat what is wrong now. Should there be future vein problems, address the problem again at that time. Twenty is young, but not unusual.


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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

There is no known prevention for varicose veins. There are various reasons for varicose veins and your ongoing medical condition. The best way to keep the varicose vein problem under control, is to treat what is wrong now. Should there be future vein problems, address the problem again at that time. Twenty is young, but not unusual.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Dec 27, 2012

Varicose veins are a hereditary condition, although they can occur for a variety of other reasons. If you inherited the gene, you are likely to develop venous problems over time. Exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and use of compression stockings can help. Not having children can also help, as there is a direct correlation between venous disease and pregnancy. But, this should not stop you from having kids if that is your plan. Lastly, consult with a vein specialist now to see if the matter, or any other related conditions, can be addressed.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Varicose veins are a hereditary condition, although they can occur for a variety of other reasons. If you inherited the gene, you are likely to develop venous problems over time. Exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and use of compression stockings can help. Not having children can also help, as there is a direct correlation between venous disease and pregnancy. But, this should not stop you from having kids if that is your plan. Lastly, consult with a vein specialist now to see if the matter, or any other related conditions, can be addressed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Dec 26, 2012

You cannot "prevent" varicose veins from developing by wearing compression
stockings. You can, however, control the symptoms (aching, tired, heavy
sensations, swelling) and help to prevent phlebitis (vein inflammation) by wearing them. You
should be evaluated by a physician who is experienced in venous conditions so that you
know your options for treatment.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

You cannot "prevent" varicose veins from developing by wearing compression
stockings. You can, however, control the symptoms (aching, tired, heavy
sensations, swelling) and help to prevent phlebitis (vein inflammation) by wearing them. You
should be evaluated by a physician who is experienced in venous conditions so that you
know your options for treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Dec 25, 2012

It is impossible to prevent varicose veins when their tendency is inherited through your family genes. Varicose veins may be helped by avoiding occupations that require prolonged standing. Be careful about how you sit as well. Regular exercise (such as walking) and keeping your ideal body weight also may be helpful in
preventing varicose veins.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is impossible to prevent varicose veins when their tendency is inherited through your family genes. Varicose veins may be helped by avoiding occupations that require prolonged standing. Be careful about how you sit as well. Regular exercise (such as walking) and keeping your ideal body weight also may be helpful in
preventing varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Dec 25, 2012

Your best option is to have your leg veins examined by a vein specialist. He can determine what would be the right choice at this time. You might need some form of treatment to prevent further progression of your condition. Exercise, weight loss (if you are overweight), smoking cessation (if you smoke), avoiding high heels, leg elevation, and compression stockings are always useful.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Your best option is to have your leg veins examined by a vein specialist. He can determine what would be the right choice at this time. You might need some form of treatment to prevent further progression of your condition. Exercise, weight loss (if you are overweight), smoking cessation (if you smoke), avoiding high heels, leg elevation, and compression stockings are always useful.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Dec 24, 2012

Compression stockings can help.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Compression stockings can help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Smith Vein Institute, LLC

Published on Dec 24, 2012

Unfortunately varicose veins are genetic, so you will not likely be able to prevent them. You might be able to slow their progression by strengthening your calf muscles and using compression stockings.

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Answered by Smith Vein Institute, LLC

Unfortunately varicose veins are genetic, so you will not likely be able to prevent them. You might be able to slow their progression by strengthening your calf muscles and using compression stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Dec 24, 2012

Compression stockings may help slow your progressing varicose veins.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Compression stockings may help slow your progressing varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Dec 24, 2012

The best prevention would be to wear knee length support hose (around 20mm compression), followed by staying physically fit and exercising. Even by doing these things, there is no guarantee that varicose veins will not develop. The number one cause of varicose veins is genetics; the other major cause, particularly among women, is pregnancy.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The best prevention would be to wear knee length support hose (around 20mm compression), followed by staying physically fit and exercising. Even by doing these things, there is no guarantee that varicose veins will not develop. The number one cause of varicose veins is genetics; the other major cause, particularly among women, is pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Dec 24, 2012

The tendency for varicose veins is inherited from your family. If your veins are enlarged and getting worse, you should seek a full evaluation from a board-certified vascular surgeon who specializes in vein disease. The examination will include a comprehensive ultrasound exam, and you will find out not only what your problem is but what treatment options are available. With symptoms, insurance companies will usually cover the procedures, but they will require that the patient try compression stockings first. Compression stockings will make your legs feel better, but will not prevent the problem developing. Procedures to treat varicose veins are all minimally invasive, with little to no visible scars.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

The tendency for varicose veins is inherited from your family. If your veins are enlarged and getting worse, you should seek a full evaluation from a board-certified vascular surgeon who specializes in vein disease. The examination will include a comprehensive ultrasound exam, and you will find out not only what your problem is but what treatment options are available. With symptoms, insurance companies will usually cover the procedures, but they will require that the patient try compression stockings first. Compression stockings will make your legs feel better, but will not prevent the problem developing. Procedures to treat varicose veins are all minimally invasive, with little to no visible scars.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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