Others likely to have varicose veins include those who are overweight and who spend a lot of time on their feet . Women often develop varicose veins during pregnancy, possibly as the result of higher blood volume, hormonal changes that relax the valves, and the pressure of the pregnancy against major veins. These usually appear around the legs but can be around the vagina . Symptoms you are likely to notice The swellings , especially at first, are likely to be unsightly but painless. They are most likely to appear in one or both of the lower legs.
Complications can occur, of which the most serious is bleeding from a vein.
This requires medical assistance to stop in most cases. If clots form in varicose veins , the result is thrombophlebitis . Symptoms your physician may observe Using a tourniquet to control blood flow, a doctor can often determine whether the valves in a vein are working properly. Special X rays can also be used to identify varicose veins . Treatment options Relatively mild varicose veins , such as those that develop in the legs during pregnancy, can often be relieved by rest with the feet up or by wearing support hose.