Varicose Veins

What Are Varicose Veins?

Sometimes blood vessel walls weaken, allowing veins to swell and become visible near the skin's surface. Occasionally these varicose veins cause physical problems or indicate a more serious medical condition; most times their main impact is on appearance.

Either way, our clinic can provide the treatment you need or find the right services within Stanford Health Care.

Varicose vein symptoms

Varicose veins are fairly common and are more likely to appear the older you get. Signs include:

• Appearance: Varicose veins are usually blue or purple and form a twisted cluster. They are sometimes surrounded by thinner, red veins called spider veins. (Learn more about spider veins.)
• Location: They mainly appear in the legs but can develop in the arms and other body areas, too.
• Physical symptoms: While many people with varicose veins don't have physical symptoms, others experience:
  • Itching, burning, throbbing or tingling
  • Leg fatigue
  • Night cramps
  • Brown discoloration, especially near the ankles