Overview
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins visible under the skin of the legs, caused by weakened valves letting blood pool. They are common in people who stand for long hours — traders, teachers, hairdressers — and during pregnancy. Most are harmless but can ache, and severe cases can be treated.
Symptoms
- Bulging, rope-like veins on the legs
- Aching or heavy legs, worse after standing
- Swelling around the ankles
- Itching over the veins
- Night cramps
- Skin darkening near the ankle in long-standing cases
Causes & risk factors
- Weak vein valves (often hereditary)
- Prolonged standing
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Increasing age
Treatment & self-care
Compression stockings, raising the legs when resting, regular walking and avoiding long uninterrupted standing relieve symptoms. Weight loss reduces the strain. Painful or complicated veins can be closed off with modern clinic procedures or surgery after a specialist assessment.
See a doctor urgently if
- A vein becomes hard, red and painful
- Skin ulcer or sore forming near the ankle
- Bleeding from a varicose vein
- Significant swelling or skin colour changes