You might associate varicose veins with aging. However, while most people only develop varicose veins in their later years, many people are surprised to notice bulging, twisted veins or persistent leg discomfort in their 20s, 30s, or early 40s.

If you’re a young person and you’re noticing some new, uncomfortable developments on your legs, you may be wondering what’s going on. Are these veins normal? Or do you have chronic venous insufficiency?

We’re vein specialists in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. In our practice, we meet people of all ages who are concerned about their vein health. In this article, we’ll cover the risk factors for varicose veins, the role that age plays, and what you can do about your vein issues, no matter how old you are.

Why Am I Getting Varicose Veins?

Generally speaking, most people who will develop varicose veins do so after the age of 40. That said, there’s a significant number of people who will develop varicose veins significantly earlier than this.

At their core, varicose veins are caused by weakened or damaged valves inside the veins. These valves are responsible for keeping blood moving upward toward the heart. When they fail, blood can pool in the legs, leading to enlarged, visible veins, and a host of different symptoms.

There are many reasons why someone may develop varicose veins earlier than their peers. To start, genetics play a significant role in varicose vein development. If one or both of your parents have vein issues, such as varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, you’re at a higher risk of varicose vein development. This is true even if you’re otherwise healthy and active.

Second, lifestyle factors may also be a reason why one might develop varicose veins earlier than expected. If your job involves long hours standing or sitting, you are putting sustained pressure on your veins. High-impact exercise, frequent long-distance travel, and limited movement throughout the day may exacerbate this as well.

Finally, hormonal changes may spur varicose vein development. Typically, most people experience the impact of this during pregnancy. However, birth control and hormonal fluctuations can also make one more likely to develop varicose veins.

Are My Leg Veins Normal?

Not all leg veins are created equal. Just because there’s a vein on your leg that you haven’t noticed before, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve suddenly developed varicose veins.

Visible veins are normal for people of all ages. This is especially true if you have low body fat, fair skin, or an athletic build. These veins are usually flat, blue or green in color, and do not cause discomfort.

Mild spider veins are also common with age. Veins like these can appear after prolonged standing, pregnancy, or hormonal changes. These do not always indicate underlying vein disease.

Those who are concerned about varicose veins may also be constantly monitoring how their legs feel. Occasional leg fatigue after a long day, minor swelling after travel, or brief discomfort following intense exercise are all perfectly normal and not an immediate cause for concern, especially if symptoms resolve with rest, elevation, or movement.

Signs That You Should Have Your Veins Looked At

Leg veins may become a concern if they start exhibiting other features not mentioned in the above paragraphs. For example, if your veins are not flat and blue, but instead bulging, rope-like, and dark, you may be developing varicose veins.

Persistent leg heaviness, aching, burning, or throbbing — especially later in the day — can also be a sign of underlying venous insufficiency. Swelling that occurs regularly or worsens by evening is another indicator that blood may not be circulating properly.

Additionally, if you find that the skin on your legs is changing, you might want to consult a vein specialist. Discoloration, itching, dryness, or thickening around the ankles or lower legs could be a sign that you have a vein issue that requires attention.

How To Take The Next Steps

No matter how old you are, if you’re concerned about your leg veins, it’s important that you consult a vein specialist.

By working with a specialist, you’ll be able to determine whether your veins are simply a cosmetic issue, or if they’re indicative of a bigger problem of which you should be concerned.

If treatment is required, don’t worry — modern vein treatments are quick and low in pain. With a specialist, you’ll be able to determine which treatments are best for your specific issue and develop a plan to take care of your vein problems. Take the first step by getting in contact with us today.