Varicose Veins Are Spreading Rapidly: Why Autumn is the Ideal Time for Treatment

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKEY — Nov. 12, 2025

Varicose vein disease, which affects 1 in 2 people in the 20–70 age group in Turkey, is spreading rapidly in recent years and is four times more common in women. Specialists are urging people to use the autumn and winter months as the ideal time for treatment, as cooler weather positively affects both comfort and healing speed.

Varicose veins, caused by the failure of valves in the leg veins to function properly, resulting in the expansion and distortion of the vessel structure, present a significant medical and cosmetic problem due to the associated pain and unsightly appearance.

Dr. Ayça Özgen, a Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist at Acıbadem Kadıköy (Dr. Şinasi Can) Hospital, warns: "Varicose veins are a serious functional disorder in the veins. They manifest as visible veins, pain, swelling, burning, itching, and night cramps in the legs. If treatment is delayed, the deterioration of the vein structure can progress, leading to irreversible edema, skin discoloration, and lesions known as venous ulcers. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial."

Autumn and Winter Offer Treatment Advantage

Dr. Özgen emphasizes that the autumn and winter periods are particularly ideal for varicose vein treatment: "Cooler weather allows us to carry out treatment without disrupting patients' comfort and enables us to achieve faster results. This opportunity is the first step towards healthy and aesthetic legs."

Modern varicose vein treatment methods, such as laser, foam sclerotherapy, and radiofrequency, require patients to wear compression stockings for a period afterward. Dr. Özgen notes that in cold weather, this process is more comfortable, and veins recover faster compared to hot weather. Furthermore, the risk of skin discoloration due to sun exposure is minimized during these months.

Warning Signs and Serious Complications

Dr. Özgen urges individuals experiencing symptoms such as visible veins, a feeling of heaviness, or pain in their legs to consult a cardiovascular surgery specialist without delay. She stresses that viewing varicose veins as merely a cosmetic issue is a major mistake, as untreated cases can lead to serious complications such as skin changes, ulcers, and even clot formation.

8 Effective Measures Against Varicose Veins

Dr. Özgen highlights that while genetics play a role, daily lifestyle habits can significantly trigger this condition. She lists the habits to avoid and the necessary precautions:

1. Avoid Standing for Long Periods: Prolonged standing in a fixed position puts constant pressure on leg veins, increasing the risk. Take breaks and elevate your legs above heart level whenever possible.

2. Avoid Immobility: Continuous sitting slows down blood circulation because leg muscles are not adequately working. Incorporate regular walking into your routine.

3. Do Not Cross Your Legs: This habit compresses veins and restricts blood flow. Avoid crossing your legs during long periods of sitting.

4. Achieve Your Ideal Weight: Excess weight places an additional burden on leg veins, making it harder for blood to flow upwards.

5. Monitor Water Consumption: Consuming an average of 1.5–2 liters of water daily plays a vital role in protection against varicose veins.

6. Limit High Heels: Frequent use of high heels reduces the pumping action of the calf muscles, leading to blood pooling in the legs.

7. Avoid Turkish Baths and Saunas: Excessive heat causes veins to widen, making varicose veins more prominent.

8. Avoid Smoking: Dr. Özgen warns that smoking, proven to cause countless health risks, weakens blood vessel walls, negatively affects circulation, and increases the risk of varicose veins.

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