Varicose veins: causes, symptoms, and treatment

Herzog Medical
July 23, 2026

Varicose veins are common, and symptoms vary greatly from person to person. Some people primarily notice the visible, bluish-purple veins on their calves or the back of their legs, while others mainly suffer from heavy, tired, or restless legs at the end of the day. Symptoms often become more noticeable, especially after prolonged standing, sitting, walking, or exercising. Many people think that varicose veins only develop in old age, but younger and active people also experience them.

At Herzog, we see these complaints in both athletes and people with sedentary or standing professions. Herzog compression stockings are often worn as support during and after a day when the legs feel heavy, as controlled pressure helps blood flow back to the heart.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veinsdevelop when the valves in the superficial veins no longer close properly. These valves normally ensure that blood flows in one direction, from the legs back to the heart. If the valves work less effectively, blood partially remains in the veins and the vein dilates. This dilation is precisely what you see as a varicose vein, often bluish-purple and sometimes winding under the skin. This process is gradual, and in the beginning, you primarily notice a tired or heavy feeling in the legs, even before anything is visible.

Several factors increase the likelihood of varicose veins. Hereditary predisposition plays a role, as does age, because veins and valves lose some of their elasticity over the years. Hormonal changes, for exampleduring pregnancy, can also temporarily weaken the vein wall. Additionally, how you spend your day influences this. People with a sedentary jobwhere the legs move little, or conversely, jobs where you stand for long periods, are more prone to varicose veins.

Varicose veins are also more common in people who are already familiar with restless legs, as both conditions are related to blood circulation and the functioning of the venous system in the legs. This does not mean that the cause is always the same, but it does mean that the legs deserve extra attention in such situations. If you are unsure about the cause of visible veins or recurring complaints, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner or vascular specialist, especially if the complaints increase or are accompanied by pain, warmth, or swelling around the vein.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Varicose veins do not cause the same symptoms in everyone. Some people primarily notice the veins themselves, clearly visible and sometimes slightly raised under the skin, without experiencing many other complaints. Others mainly feel a heavy, tired, or restless sensation in their legs, which intensifies at the end of the day. Itching around the vein, a slight burning sensation, or nocturnal calf cramps are also frequently mentioned. Many people with varicose veins find that Herzog's medically certified compression stockings provide support, making their legs feel less heavy and tired throughout the day.

It is important to distinguish varicose veins from symptoms that indicate something else, such as thrombosis. Thrombosis is often accompanied by sudden, unilateral swelling, a warm-feeling leg, and pain that does not subside with rest. Varicose veins, on the other hand, develop gradually, and the symptoms usually increase throughout the day, only to decrease somewhat after a night lying down. If you are unsure whether the symptoms are related to varicose veins or something that requires quicker attention, contact your GP. Relying on self-assessment based on the internet is not sufficient if you have doubts.

Are you unsure whether your symptoms are consistent with varicose veins, or do you notice them worsening? Discuss this with your GP. This way, you can be sure of the cause and which treatment or support is best suited for your situation.

Products in this blog

Support Compression Socks Blue

€44,95

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Products in this blog

Support Compression Socks Pink

€44,95

View this product

What can help with varicose veins?

Exercise remains one of the most important ways to keep blood flowing through the legs. Regular walking or taking a short movement break during a long day of sitting or standing helps the calf muscles pump blood out of the veins. It can also be pleasant to elevate your legs during a rest period. These simple habits will not make varicose veins disappear, but they can help your legs feel less heavy and tired during the day.

Compression is another way people try to reduce their symptoms. The idea behind this is that controlled pressure on the leg supports the veins in returning blood to the heart, which means less blood remains pooled in the lower veins. This principle is explained in more detail on the page about the effects of compression.
Herzog Medical uses this technique in its graduated compression technology, where the pressure gradually decreases from the ankle to the knee. This controlled gradient is different from that of standard elastic stockings, which often apply the same pressure throughout.

Herzog PRO Compression Stockings are individually fitted at six measurement points, so that the pressure distribution adapts to the shape of the leg rather than to a standard size. In addition, the stockings carry an MDR mark, which means they meet the requirements applicable to medical devices.
Herzog has been working on compression technology for over twenty years. The products are used daily by people with varicose veins and other venous complaints, as well as by dedicated athletes and healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kun je spataderen voorkomen?

Volledig voorkomen is niet altijd mogelijk, omdat erfelijke aanleg en leeftijd een rol spelen bij het ontstaan van spataderen. Wel kun je de kans op klachten verkleinen door regelmatig te bewegen, niet te lang achter elkaar te staan of te zitten, en de benen af en toe hoog te leggen. Ook Herzog compressiekousen kunnen helpen om klachten zoals een zwaar of vermoeid gevoel in de benen te verminderen. Bij een sterke aanleg in de familie is het verstandig alert te blijven op vroege signalen.

Verhelpt een compressiekous spataderen?

Nee, een compressiekous behandelt spataderen niet en neemt de oorzaak niet weg. Wel kan een medische compressiekous klachten zoals een zwaar, vermoeid of onrustig gevoel in de benen verminderen. Daarnaast kan het dragen van compressiekousen helpen om de druk op de aderen te verlagen en zo verdere verergering van de klachten af te remmen. Voor de spatader zelf blijft beoordeling door een huisarts of specialist nodig.

Wanneer moet je met spataderen naar de huisarts?

Ga naar de huisarts als de spatader pijnlijk is, snel groter wordt, of als de huid eromheen verkleurt of verandert. Ook bij plotselinge zwelling, warmte in het been of een wondje dat niet dichtgroeit is beoordeling belangrijk. Twijfel je, dan is het altijd verstandig dit te laten bekijken in plaats van af te wachten.

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