Key Points

• Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the surface of the skin. These veins usually occur in the legs, although they also can form in other parts of the body.
• Varicose veins are a common condition. They usually cause few signs or symptoms. In some cases, they may cause mild to moderate pain, blood clots, or skin ulcers.
• A number of other types of vein problems are related to varicose veins, including telangiectasias, spider veins, varicoceles, venous lakes, reticular veins, and hemorrhoids.
• Weak or damaged valves in the veins can cause varicose veins. One-way valves inside the veins open to let blood flow through and then shut to keep blood from flowing backward. If the valves are weak or damaged, blood can back up and pool in your veins. This causes the veins to swell.
• A number of factors may increase your risk for varicose veins. These include family history, age, gender, pregnancy, overweight or obesity, and lack of movement.
• The signs and symptoms of varicose veins include large veins that you can see on your skin; mild swelling of your ankles and feet; painful, achy, or "heavy" legs; throbbing or cramping in your legs; itchy legs; and discolored skin in the area around the varicose vein.
• Sometimes varicose veins can lead to dermatitis, an itchy skin rash. Varicose veins also can lead to superficial thrombophlebitis. This refers to a blood clot that occurs in a vein that's at the surface of the skin.
• Doctors often diagnose varicose veins based on a physical exam alone. Sometimes tests or procedures are done to confirm a diagnosis.
• Lifestyle changes often are the first treatment for varicose veins. These changes can prevent varicose veins from getting worse, reduce pain, and delay other varicose veins from forming.
• If your condition is more severe, your doctor may recommend one or more medical procedures. A number of treatments are available that are quick and easy and don't require a long recovery time.
• Some people choose to have a medical procedure to improve the appearance of varicose veins or to relieve pain.
• You can't prevent varicose vein from forming. However, you can prevent the ones you have from getting worse. You also can take steps to delay other varicose veins from forming. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods, stay active, lose weight (if you're overweight), avoid tight clothes and high heels, and wear compression stockings if your doctors advises you to.