Sunny skies and warm days are finally here—but if you suffer from varicose veins, summer may also bring increased swelling, heaviness, and pain in your legs.
At St. Louis Laser Veins, we often see a surge of patients in the spring and summer months looking for relief from their worsening vein symptoms. While varicose veins are a year-round issue, warmer temperatures can make them feel much worse.
If you’re wondering why your legs ache more in the heat—or what you can do to prevent vein issues from flaring up—we’re breaking it all down for you below.
Why Do Varicose Veins Feel Worse in Warm Weather?
It all comes down to how your blood vessels react to heat.
Here’s the science:
- When it’s hot outside, your body naturally tries to cool itself by dilating blood vessels—especially those close to the surface of your skin.
- This vasodilation helps release heat, but it also means more blood is pooling in your legs.
- If you already have weakened vein valves or poor circulation, this extra pooling can make varicose veins bulge, throb, or feel heavy.
In short, heat causes your veins to work harder—and if your veins are already damaged or dilated, that added pressure can increase your symptoms.
Common Summer Symptoms for People with Varicose Veins
If you have varicose veins, you may notice these symptoms getting worse when it’s hot:
- Swelling in your feet and ankles
- Heaviness or aching in your legs
- Throbbing or cramping after standing or walking
- Visible darkening or bulging of leg veins
- Itching or irritated skin near veins
You might also find that these symptoms intensify later in the day or after time spent outdoors in the sun or heat.
Does Warm Weather Cause Varicose Veins?
No—warmer temperatures don’t cause varicose veins, but they can exacerbate an existing vein issue or reveal early signs of venous insufficiency.
Varicose veins form when the valves inside your leg veins weaken and fail to properly return blood to your heart. This leads to blood pooling, which stretches and damages the veins over time. Genetics, aging, pregnancy, prolonged standing, and weight gain are common contributors.
However, heat acts as a trigger, making symptoms that might otherwise go unnoticed suddenly very uncomfortable.
Tips to Manage Varicose Vein Symptoms in the Heat
The good news? There are several easy ways to support your vein health and reduce summer discomfort:
1. Elevate Your Legs
Raising your legs above your heart for 15–30 minutes a few times a day can help reduce swelling and encourage better circulation.
2. Wear Compression Stockings
Compression garments help prevent blood from pooling in the legs and can be a lifesaver during the hotter months. Choose lighter, breathable materials for comfort.
3. Stay Cool
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, hot tubs, and saunas. If you’re outdoors, seek shade or take breaks in air-conditioned spaces.
4. Hydrate Regularly
Proper hydration improves blood circulation and reduces the likelihood of swelling. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day.
5. Get Moving
Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or biking help promote healthy blood flow in your legs.
6. Avoid Sitting or Standing for Long Periods
Whether at a BBQ or on a long road trip, try to move or stretch your legs every 30–60 minutes.
Summer Is a Great Time to Treat Varicose Veins
If you’re tired of dealing with pain, swelling, or the cosmetic appearance of varicose veins, summer can be the perfect time to seek treatment.
At St. Louis Laser Veins, we offer minimally invasive, outpatient vein procedures with little to no downtime—including:
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): Uses laser energy to close problem veins.
- Sclerotherapy: A quick in-office procedure that injects a solution to seal smaller varicose or spider veins.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Removes larger varicose veins through tiny skin punctures.
- Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: For deeper or more complex vein issues.
These procedures are often covered by insurance when performed for medical reasons such as pain, swelling, or skin irritation—so don’t wait until fall to feel better.
The Importance of Early Vein Care
Ignoring varicose veins can lead to worsening symptoms, including:
- Chronic leg pain
- Skin discoloration
- Venous ulcers (open sores)
- Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If your symptoms worsen in the heat or interfere with daily activities, it’s a sign your veins need medical attention.
Vein Health in St. Louis and O’Fallon: We’re Here to Help
At St. Louis Laser Veins, we understand that varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern—they affect how you feel, move, and enjoy life, especially during the warmer months.
Dr. Thomas Wright, a nationally recognized vein expert, leads our practice with compassion, experience, and the most advanced vein care technology available. We offer personalized treatment plans, thorough diagnostics using ultrasound, and a warm, professional environment where your comfort and results come first.
Don’t Let the Heat Keep You on the Sidelines
Summer in St. Louis should be about enjoying the outdoors—not hiding your legs or battling pain.
Whether you’re looking for relief from swelling or ready to treat your varicose veins for good, now is the time to take the next step.
Schedule your consultation with our team today and enjoy a more comfortable, confident summer—without the weight of vein discomfort holding you back.
