What is varicose veins?

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. They are most common in the legs and ankles. Varicose veins usually aren't serious.

Varicose veins look like swollen and twisted blood vessels under the skin. They may not cause any symptoms. Mild symptoms may include:

• Heaviness, burning, aching, tiredness, or pain in your legs. These symptoms may be worse after you stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Mild swelling in your feet and ankles.
• Itching over the vein.

More serious symptoms include:

• Leg swelling.
• Swelling and calf pain after you sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Skin changes, such as:
  • Color changes.
  • Dry, thinned skin.
  • Inflammation.
  • Scaling.
• Open sores.
• Bleeding after a minor injury.
• Superficial thrombophlebitis. This happens when a blood clot and inflammation form in a small vein near the surface of the skin.

Varicose veins are most often diagnosed based on how they look. No special tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Your doctor will:

• Ask questions about any risk factors, such as vein problems, serious leg injuries, or leg ulcers you've had in the past.
• Do a physical exam. The doctor will examine your legs and feet (or any other affected areas). The doctor will check for tender areas, swelling, skin color changes, ulcers, and other signs of skin breakdown.

You might need tests if you plan to have treatment or if you have signs of a deep vein problem. Duplex Doppler ultrasound is the most commonly used test. It can help your doctor study blood flow in your leg veins.

Phlebectomy (say "fluh-BEK-tuh-mee") is a procedure used to remove varicose veins. Your doctor will make several tiny cuts (incisions) in the skin. The varicose veins are removed through the cuts. Stitches usually aren't needed. The procedure is also called microphlebectomy, ambulatory phlebectomy, and stab avulsion.

This procedure is usually done in the doctor's office. You'll get medicine to numb the area. It might be done along with another treatment for varicose veins. Other treatments include ligation and stripping, laser treatment, and radiofrequency treatment.

Phlebectomy usually doesn't lead to other problems. But it might cause short-term skin color change, infection, pain, and tiny red spider veins.

Phlebectomy can help improve how the skin looks after treatment. But it's less likely to fix varicose veins when the leg veins aren't working well. Because that's the case for most varicose veins, this procedure is usually used along with other treatments.

Varicose veins just under the skin sometimes cause minor problems. Most can be treated at home.

Minimize bruising

If you bump your leg, prop up your leg and apply ice or cold packs right away. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.

Control bleeding

• Prop up your leg. Apply pressure over the site of the bleeding.
• Apply pressure for a full 15 minutes.

Mild bleeding usually stops on its own or slows to an ooze or trickle after 15 minutes of pressure. It may ooze or trickle for up to 45 minutes. Call your doctor if the bleeding does not stop after 45 minutes.

Care for a small blood clot in a varicose vein

Follow your doctor's instructions. Care may include the following:

• Prop up your leg and apply a damp cloth that is warm or cool.
• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine.

Talk to your doctor if you have questions.