Varicose veins refer to swollen or enlarged veins, especially on the legs.

Causes

• Defective valves in the veins
• Heredity
• Obesity
• Prolonged standing
• Abdominal straining
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Aging

Symptoms

• Swollen or bulging veins
• Pain and heaviness in the legs
• Swollen ankle
• Blue discoloration around the affected veins
• Itchiness and dryness at the affected area

Treatment

• Lifestyle changes like losing excess weight, elevating the legs, not crossing legs, avoiding prolonged standing, wearing compression stockings, etc.
• Sclerotherapy by injecting a chemical to close the affected veins
• Endovascular laser therapy to destroy the affected veins
• Radiofrequency ablation to destroy the veins through heat
• Surgery to tie or remove the affected veins

Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid constipation or other reasons for abdominal straining
• Avoid crossing the legs