Varicose veins are usually harmless and merely unsightly, there are cases where they may be a cause for concern. When painful signs and symptoms of varicose veins occur, they might include an achy or heavy feeling in the legs, burning, throbbing, muscle cramping, and swelling in the lower legs, worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time, itching around one or more of the veins, changes in skin color around a varicose vein, skin discolorations, and ulcers. If you experience an increase in swelling or pain in your legs, this may be a sign of a serious problem, especially if these symptoms come on suddenly. Another sign of worsening symptoms is if your skin becomes discolored, turns brown or red, and becomes hot or painful. Varicose veins are often a sign of underlying vein disease, also known as venous insufficiency. Vein disease occurs when damaged vein valves cause blood to pool within the legs. This can result in unpleasant or painful symptoms and can also increase your risk of developing dangerous conditions like blood clots and venous ulcers. If you have varicose veins that are causing you pain or discomfort, or if the skin over your veins is sore and irritated, it’s recommended that you speak to a board-certified medical professional.