Varicose veins are veins on the leg which are large, twisted, and ropelike, and can cause pain, swelling, or itching. They are an extreme form of telangiectasia, or spider veins.

Varicose veins are more common in women than in men, and are linked with heredity. Other related factors are pregnancy, obesity, menopause, aging, and abdominal straining. Varicose veins are bulging veins that are larger than spider veins, typically 3 mm or more in diameter.

The irritation -- especially the itching -- of varicose veins can be controlled to an extent with either of the following:

• anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin -- but there is a risk of intestinal bleeding.
• regular exercise, including vein gymnastics, wading through water and going barefoot.

External links

• What are Varicose Veins?
• http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1999/09_99/pn_veins.htm
• Dr. Ken Biegeleisen - Varicose Vein Expert
• eMedicine Health Varicose Vein Causes
• Veincentre Ltd Specialists in the minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins and other venous problems