Is it normal to have varicose veins at 21 years old?

I am 21 years old and within the past four years I have developed spider veins and large veins that are visible in my legs. They are also elevated over my shins. Varicose veins run in my family, but is this really all genetic or do I have a health problem?

Answers from doctors (10)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jun 26, 2013

There have been people in their teens that have had varicose veins. The factors that contribute to varicose veins are family history (genetics), pregnancy, and working at a job that requires you to stand or sit all day. It is a problem that should be fixed before the symptoms get worse and to prevent any damage to the deep veins. Interventional radiologists are the physicians to look for when seeking treatment.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

There have been people in their teens that have had varicose veins. The factors that contribute to varicose veins are family history (genetics), pregnancy, and working at a job that requires you to stand or sit all day. It is a problem that should be fixed before the symptoms get worse and to prevent any damage to the deep veins. Interventional radiologists are the physicians to look for when seeking treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Jun 25, 2013

If you have a genetic predisposition to vein conditions, signs and symptoms can begin to manifest at early ages, sometimes in the teen years. You should have a specialist perform an evaluation and doppler ultrasound.

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

If you have a genetic predisposition to vein conditions, signs and symptoms can begin to manifest at early ages, sometimes in the teen years. You should have a specialist perform an evaluation and doppler ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jun 25, 2013

Besides genetics, pregnancy is one of the most common causes of varicose veins in women.


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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Besides genetics, pregnancy is one of the most common causes of varicose veins in women.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jun 24, 2013

Vein disease is a health problem that 40% of the population get. It is inherited 80% of the time and progressively gets worse. If symptoms are bothersome and more conservative measures (e.g. compression stockings) fail, insurance will cover treatment.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Vein disease is a health problem that 40% of the population get. It is inherited 80% of the time and progressively gets worse. If symptoms are bothersome and more conservative measures (e.g. compression stockings) fail, insurance will cover treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jun 24, 2013

It is not at all uncommon for people in their late teens and early 20s to develop the first signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency. Many live with slowly worsening symptoms for decades before they seek help or learn about the connection between their symptoms and their venous disease. Venous insufficiency is a health problem that is often inherited. It refers to poor venous valve function that leads to a variety of symptoms, including aching, pain, swelling, heaviness, fatigue, skin changes, night cramps and restless legs, and sometimes bleeding or ulceration. Unfortunately, it is often progressive over one's lifetime. Fortunately, it is treatable. Good luck!

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

It is not at all uncommon for people in their late teens and early 20s to develop the first signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency. Many live with slowly worsening symptoms for decades before they seek help or learn about the connection between their symptoms and their venous disease. Venous insufficiency is a health problem that is often inherited. It refers to poor venous valve function that leads to a variety of symptoms, including aching, pain, swelling, heaviness, fatigue, skin changes, night cramps and restless legs, and sometimes bleeding or ulceration. Unfortunately, it is often progressive over one's lifetime. Fortunately, it is treatable. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 24, 2013

Varicose veins are due to malfunctioning valves, usually in the saphenous system. There is a strong hereditary component and in those that develop varicose veins at an early age, heredity or trauma play a key role. I have seen varicose veins in a 9-year-old female and an 11-year-old boy, which goes to show this type of venous insufficiency can appear at relatively any age.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Varicose veins are due to malfunctioning valves, usually in the saphenous system. There is a strong hereditary component and in those that develop varicose veins at an early age, heredity or trauma play a key role. I have seen varicose veins in a 9-year-old female and an 11-year-old boy, which goes to show this type of venous insufficiency can appear at relatively any age.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jun 24, 2013

Varicose and spider veins are a health problem that is inherited. Some people start getting them in their teens, but most notice them after 25 or 30 years of age.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Varicose and spider veins are a health problem that is inherited. Some people start getting them in their teens, but most notice them after 25 or 30 years of age.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jun 24, 2013

Spider and varicose veins can occur at a young age. Both tend to be genetic, although there are other factors that can make a person susceptible (such as pregnancy or sitting for long periods of time).

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Spider and varicose veins can occur at a young age. Both tend to be genetic, although there are other factors that can make a person susceptible (such as pregnancy or sitting for long periods of time).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jun 24, 2013

It is normal to have varicose and spider veins develop in your early twenties. They can develop in the teens and though rare, even earlier. The biggest factor for this is heredity.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is normal to have varicose and spider veins develop in your early twenties. They can develop in the teens and though rare, even earlier. The biggest factor for this is heredity.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Smith Vein Institute, LLC

Published on Jun 24, 2013

Unfortunately it is genetic, although there are other factors that may have contributed.

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Answered by Smith Vein Institute, LLC

Unfortunately it is genetic, although there are other factors that may have contributed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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