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Many cases of varicose veins are clearly visible, with the knotted, twisted, or bulging darkened veins showing beneath the skin of the thigh and lower legs. And, your legs may be swollen. If you have varicose veins, you may also experience pain in the legs, especially after standing or sitting still for a long time. Some women describe the pain as feelings of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, cramping, or restlessness.

Severe varicose veins also can make your skin itchy or lead to a skin condition similar to eczema or even ulcers on your lower legs. Keep in mind that not all leg discomfort is caused by varicose veins. But any persistent or severe symptoms do warrant a visit to your health care professional.

Vein disorders are not always visible. So, if you can't see any symptoms, or, to help determine the cause and severity of the problem, your health care professional may conduct a non-invasive ultrasound or other vascular test.

Be sure to call your health care professional if swelling becomes incapacitating, or if the skin over your varicose veins becomes flaky, ulcerated, discolored or prone to bleeding. In addition, if you have bright red varicose veins, call your health care professional, as this can be a sign of phlebitis or a blood clot.