Varicose veins are a sign of venous insufficiency disease. This condition is when the veins are damaged and unusually become shaped vessels which usually develop at the bottom of the legs and the body. Many people see them as a cosmetic problem more than physical concern. For many others, it’s more unpleasant to live with varicose veins and in some cases; it’s hard to manage without self-care and special ideas. Elitevs provides safe, effective and minimum invasive treatment for varicose veins that reduce their symptoms and cosmetic issues.

How do Varicose Veins Develop?

Varicose occurs in the veins when there is much higher pressure in the veins or blood vessels that disrupt proper blood flow. This is a common side effect of injuries and hormonal changes. This vein disease is caused by blood pressure inside the veins which disrupts blood flow. The construction of pressure damages the structure of the veins, thereby weakening them, collapsing, loses their rigid size and swell.

As the veins become weak, blood pools inside and become stagnant, from which the veins begin to emerge. Generally, this process occurs gradually as the side effects of aging or genetics. But some health conditions and lifestyle habits, such as pregnancy or vascular condition or standing or sitting in the same place for a long time, may also be caused. Moreover, the veins located anywhere in the body can have varicosity, although the most common areas are in the legs and ankles. Varicose veins usually develop in stages. By the time many people discover they have varicose veins, they’ve already progressed into one of the later stages of development.

Early stage varicose veins stages

Stage 1 – Spider Veins

During the early phase, you can see the presence of spider veins, also called telangiectasias. These are small, thin veins that appear close to the skin surface and often look like spider’s web. Although they can’t generally cause physical trouble, spider veins can be a clear sign of built-in veins problems. Spider veins are small, thin blood vessels that appear close to the skin surface, often blue or purple-colored. More common in women than men, spider veins often are formed in the early stages of veins related conditions.

Stage 2 – Varicose Veins

As vein disease develops further, you may have varicose veins problems. These are increased, folded veins that get out of the skin surface and can cause discomfort, pain or heaviness in the legs. Varicose veins are often more emerged and can be painful after standing or sitting for a long time. Early varicose vein is often the first noticeable sign of veins disease, which can significantly affect daily life. More than 80% of individuals with varicose veins see symptoms like burning, tingling, numbness, itching, tired or painful legs, heaviness, swelling or restlessness. If your legs swell or you see these symptoms, it is necessary to consult a vein specialist. Early detection of veins disease can prevent further complications.

Stage 3 – Edema (Leg Swelling)

As vein disease gets worse, you might start noticing swelling—called edema—in your legs, ankles, and feet. It often feels worse by the end of the day, making it hard to stay on your feet or even find comfortable shoes. For many people, this swelling isn’t just annoying—it can really get in the way of daily life.

If veins disease is not treated, a mild varicose veins starting as a disease can lead to more notable symptoms such as swelling in the legs. This is when weak veins struggle in circulating the blood properly, giving up fluid in your legs. You may also see more emerged veins, as well as that may also be familiar heaviness, painful feeling that tired your feet by the end of the day.

Lifting your legs up may reduce discomfort for some time, but this won’t fix the original problem. And remember—while swelling in the legs often point to veins problems, other health factors may also play a role in it. So if symptoms persist or start affecting your daily life, it’s sensible to be investigated.

Stage 4 – Skin Discoloration

When the vein disease grows, some worrisome changes in your skin begin to appear. You can see that spots are getting brown or red, especially around your ankles or lower legs. The skin often becomes dry, itchy and irritable – sometimes even rashes get that not fine.

These aren’t just cosmetic problems. As the condition grows, the skin becomes thin and looks unhealthy red-brown or yellow. More worried is that the affected areas become more sensitive to injury and are better than usual. It’s the way to indicate your body that needs to pay attention to the problem of veins. The more you wait the more clear these changes in the skin will become. So it’s very important to fix veins problems before reaching this stage – your skin health depends on proper circulation.

Stage 5 – Healed Ulceration Changes Skin

Once the ulcer is developed, treatment using minimally invasive procedures can help heal the wound. These treatments also provide very important relief from the symptoms of vein disease.

Stage 6 – (Open Venous Ulcer) Skin Changes with Active Ulceration

When the vein valves stop working properly, they can cause painful venous ulcers that just won’t heal on their own. These stubborn wounds often get chronic if they are not treated, which causes unnecessary pain and disappointment. So it’s very important to meet us in Elitevs on the first warning signs of vein problems. Recognizing vein disease quickly gives you the best chance to avoid these painful ulcers completely – and it’s always better than trying to treat them after they develop.

By the time vein disease reaches stages 5 and 6, the damage is severe. The constant blood pooling in your veins (venous congestion) starves your skin of oxygen and nutrients, leading to painful open sores called venous ulcers.

What makes this especially concerning is how these ulcers behave:

• They develop from what might seem like minor scratches or irritations
• They take weeks or months to heal – if they heal at all
• Without proper treatment, they typically get worse rather than better

These stubborn wounds are your body’s red flag that your vein disease needs professional attention immediately. The good news? Even at these advanced stages, today’s treatments can help.

You might notice these vein disease symptoms:

• Leg discomfort with weariness
• Tingling or Burning sensations
• Leg cramping at night
• Skin discoloration (Red & Brown color)
• Edema in the lower extremities
• Flaky skin that won’t stop itching
• Heaviness in the legs
• Leathery-looking skin
• Ulcers near the ankles
• Varicose veins and reticular veins

Vein Disease Risk Factors

Did you know certain everyday factors can make vein problems more likely? While some risks like family history and aging are out of your control, others – like staying on your feet all day, carrying extra weight, or sitting for long stretches – are things you can actually do something about. Even pregnancy can put extra pressure on your veins. The good news? Understanding these risk factors means you can take smart steps to protect your vein health before problems start.

Vein Disease Treatment

Fortunately the good news is that there are many effective ways to treat veins problems – no matter how serious they are. Nowadays treatments are quick, minimally invasive and do not require large surgery. Options like laser therapy (EVLT), heat treatment (RFA) or simple injections can safely close the problem-sided veins relieve pain and flow your blood again. The best thing? A vein specialist can help you choose the right treatment based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle. You don’t have to live with just uncomfortable veins.

Conclusion

Knowing how the stages of varicose veins develop helps you stay ahead of the problem. Our vein expert, Dr. Nirman Tulsyan, create custom treatment plans to remove your symptoms and make you feel better. Whether you’re noticing your first spider vein or struggling with painful, swollen veins, taking professional help in time is very beneficial. See our guide about the different stages of varicose veins, and when you’re ready, Dr. Tulsyan there to help you. Schedule your consultation today – your legs will definitely thank you.