Key Points

• Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins close to the surface of the skin. They usually don't cause medical problems, but occasionally require treatment for complications, including pain, skin ulcers, and blood clots.
• Varicose veins are usually the result of damaged or improperly working valves in the veins, which cause blood to back up and make the vein swell.
• Varicose veins can affect any vein, but are most common in the legs.
• Varicose veins are more common in women than in men. Family history and increasing age also are risk factors for varicose veins.
• Common signs and symptoms of varicose veins include enlarged veins visible on the skin, swelling, and sometimes pain or throbbing in the legs. More serious complications can occur, such as skin ulcers and blood clots, but these are usually the result of problems with deeper veins.
• Varicose veins are usually diagnosed simply on the appearance of leg veins when you're standing or seated with your legs dangling. Medical tests are usually not needed for the diagnosis.
• Most varicose veins don't require treatment. Doctors may recommend simple self-care measures, including exercise, weight loss (if you're overweight), and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing.
• In cases where signs and symptoms are more severe or there are complications such as skin ulcers, medical treatment may be necessary. Treatments also are done for cosmetic reasons. Varicose vein treatments are typically very effective.
• Goals of treatment include easing symptoms, avoiding complications, and improving cosmetic appearance.
• Although there's no way to completely prevent new varicose veins from forming, existing varicose veins can be kept under control with simple self-care measures.