We routinely hear stories from our patients that they have been told that the leg pain they have with their varicose veins was not related to their veins, as varicose veins do not cause symptoms. Some medical professionals still profess that varicose veins do not cause symptoms, and it is likely due to well published research that failed to be significant. In 1999, a study was published titled, “What are the symptoms of varicose veins?” This study looked at over 1500 patients with physical inspection of vein disease, and questionnaire about leg symptoms. There was no correlation between visual/physical presence of veins and symptoms of leg pain, etc., and this was propagated as the study that proves varicose veins are merely cosmetic concerns.

One year later the same population was evaluated with ultrasound where correlation between ultrasound findings, physical findings and symptoms was identified. In a subsequent study of over 40,000 patients in Poland, there is a high degree of correlation between physical findings and symptoms in patients with varicose veins. The most common symptoms are pain (82%), heaviness (79%), intensification of symptoms with standing or warm environments (71%) and leg cramping (63%). Varicose veins can and often do cause symptoms.