You are more likely to develop varicose veins as you grow older if you are a woman, have been pregnant, are overweight, or have a family history of varicose veins. They develop as the veins lose their elasticity. This results is the veins stretching and the blood in the veins flowing in the wrong direction. The veins then become larger and more visible. Symptoms may also be associated with varicose veins such as an aching discomfort in the legs, a burning sensation, swelling, and muscle cramping.
Treatment is available and varies depending upon the severity of the varicose veins.
Weight loss, exercise, leg elevation, not standing for long periods of time, and wearing proper shoes are helpful. Compression stockings help relieve some of the symptoms. In the more severe cases treatment consists of injecting a solution into the veins and various types of surgery to remove the veins.