Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins visible just under the skin, usually on the legs. They form when the one-way valves inside the veins weaken and blood pools instead of flowing back to the heart.

Who gets varicose veins

• People whose work involves long hours of standing — teachers, traffic police, shopkeepers, cooks, surgeons, hairdressers.
• Women during and after pregnancy.
• Older adults (valves weaken with age).
• Anyone with a family history.
• People with obesity or a sedentary lifestyle.

Symptoms

• Visible, bulging, rope-like veins on the legs.
• Aching, heaviness or a dull burn in the legs by the end of the day.
• Swelling around the ankles.
• Itching over the veins.
• Night cramps.

When to see a Health Expert

• Skin near the vein turns dark, hard or inflamed.
• A non-healing ulcer appears near the ankle.
• A vein is painful, red and warm — may be thrombophlebitis.
• Bleeding from a vein after a small knock.
• Sudden severe leg pain or swelling — rule out deep vein thrombosis urgently.

What helps

• Daily leg movement — walking, calf-raises; avoid standing still for long periods.
• Elevate the legs for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
• Compression stockings — prescribed grade; significantly reduce symptoms.
• Weight control.
• For severe or complicated veins: minimally invasive procedures such as endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation or sclerotherapy are widely available in India and are usually day-care procedures.