Why Varicose Veins Worsen in Hot Weather & How to Cope

As the temperatures climb during summer in Riverside, CA, so do the discomfort levels for many people living with varicose veins. If your legs feel heavier, more swollen, or achier during the warmer months, you’re not imagining things—heat really can make varicose veins worse.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

What varicose veins are and why they occur
How hot weather affects vein function
Symptoms that worsen in the summer
Practical strategies to reduce vein-related discomfort
When to seek professional help

If you or a loved one is struggling with varicose veins during Riverside’s hot season, this article will help you better understand and manage the condition.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and often bulging veins that usually appear on the legs. They occur when venous valves—which help blood flow in one direction toward the heart—become weak or damaged. This causes blood to pool in the veins, leading to increased pressure and visible swelling.

They are not just a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins can cause:

Leg pain or aching
Swelling and heaviness
Throbbing or cramping
Skin discoloration
Itching or burning sensations

Left untreated, they can lead to chronic venous insufficiency or venous ulcers, which may require advanced medical treatment.

Why Hot Weather Makes Varicose Veins Worse

Riverside, CA experiences hot, dry summers with average highs in the 90s—and it’s during this time that many people report increased vein discomfort. Here’s why:

1. Veins Dilate in the Heat

When your body is exposed to high temperatures, your veins naturally dilate (expand) to help cool you down. This process allows more blood to flow near the surface of your skin, where heat can escape more easily.

While this is a normal thermoregulatory response, for people with weakened vein walls or valves, dilated veins exacerbate blood pooling and increase pressure on already compromised vessels.

2. Increased Blood Pooling

As veins dilate and blood moves more slowly, gravity pulls more blood downward into the legs. In people with varicose veins, the valves that prevent backflow are already malfunctioning—so the extra pooling leads to:

Greater swelling (edema)
More visible bulging
Increased aching and fatigue

3. Dehydration Compounds the Problem

Hot weather increases the risk of dehydration, which thickens the blood and makes circulation more sluggish. This places even more strain on the venous system.

If you’re spending time outdoors in Riverside’s dry heat without proper hydration, you’re likely making vein symptoms worse.

4. Reduced Physical Activity

Summer heat can make people more sedentary. Whether you’re avoiding the midday sun or skipping workouts to stay cool, reduced physical movement means less muscle contraction, which is essential for pushing blood upward through the legs.

When your calf muscles aren’t active, your veins have to work harder—and they often fail under the pressure.

Common Summer Symptoms of Varicose Veins

If you suffer from vein issues, you may notice these symptoms increase during hot months:

Heaviness in the legs, especially by afternoon
Visible swelling in ankles and calves
Skin sensitivity or itching around veins
Cramping or throbbing
Burning sensations
Restless legs at night
More visible or pronounced veins

These symptoms often improve when you elevate your legs or spend time in a cool environment—but that’s not always practical during Riverside summers.

Tips to Manage Varicose Veins in Hot Weather

Fortunately, there are simple yet effective strategies that can help reduce discomfort and manage symptoms throughout the summer:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration:

Thins the blood
Improves circulation
Reduces the chance of clot formation

Add electrolytes if you’re sweating a lot due to outdoor activity or sports.

2. Avoid Prolonged Standing or Sitting

If your job or daily routine requires long periods of standing (e.g., teaching, retail, or healthcare), try these tips:

Shift your weight often
Use a footrest or stool
Flex and extend your ankles every 20 minutes
Take walking breaks

3. Cool Your Legs

Apply cool compresses or soak your legs in cool (not ice-cold) water at the end of the day. This helps to reduce swelling and improve vein contraction.

Even a cool shower can offer temporary relief.

4. Wear Compression Stockings

Compression therapy is one of the most effective tools for managing varicose veins. These specialized stockings:

Support vein walls
Promote upward blood flow
Reduce swelling and fatigue

Even in the heat, lightweight compression stockings designed for summer wear are available and highly recommended.

Ask your vascular specialist at Mission Surgical Clinic about which compression level is best for you.

5. Elevate Your Legs

Raise your legs above heart level for 15–20 minutes, a few times a day. This allows gravity to assist in venous return and reduce swelling.

If you’re working from home or relaxing, prop your legs up on a stack of pillows or rest them against a wall.

6. Keep Moving

Walking is one of the best exercises to stimulate healthy circulation. Aim for 30 minutes of walking in the early morning or late evening when Riverside temperatures are cooler.

Other great low-impact options:

Swimming (also helps cool the body)
Cycling
Light yoga or stretching

7. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight increases pressure on your veins. Losing even 5–10 pounds can significantly reduce vein discomfort and prevent progression.

When to See a Vein Specialist in Riverside, CA

While lifestyle changes can help, medical intervention is often needed—especially if:

Your varicose veins are worsening despite self-care
You experience frequent leg pain or swelling
You develop skin discoloration, ulcers, or rashes
Veins feel warm, hard, or painful to the touch (possible sign of thrombophlebitis)

At Mission Surgical Clinic, our board-certified vascular specialists offer advanced diagnostics and treatment options for varicose veins, including:

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT)
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Sclerotherapy
Vein stripping (in severe cases)

These minimally invasive procedures are performed right here in Riverside, CA with little to no downtime.

Don’t Let Summer Steal Your Comfort

Varicose veins can be more than just a cosmetic concern, especially in Riverside’s intense summer heat. If you notice your symptoms flaring up during warmer months, take it seriously—it may be your body’s way of asking for help.

By staying proactive with hydration, movement, and proper vein care, you can reduce discomfort and protect your vascular health. And if you’re looking for personalized treatment, the experts at Mission Surgical Clinic are here to help you regain your comfort and confidence—year-round.

Schedule a Vein Evaluation Today

You don’t have to suffer through another summer with leg pain or swollen veins. Contact Mission Surgical Clinic in Riverside, CA today to schedule a vein consultation. Let our team create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

About the author

rizerdev@rizertechnology.com