Varicose Veins & TreatmentVaricose veins are elongated, dilated tortuous veins that are located under the skin and above the muscle. They can usually be seen bulging up under the skin. They are caused by a failure of the valves in the vein to direct the blood back to the heart. As a consequence, the blood instead flows back into the leg causing symptoms of pain, throbbing, burning, itching, cramping and restless leg syndrome. These symptoms are generally worse at the end of the day or after prolonged standing or sitting. Severe varicose veins can compromise the nutrition of the skin causing increased thickness of the skin and dark pigmentation. This can lead to inflammation and eventual ulceration of the skin. They are more prone to clotting than normal veins. Heredity is the primary cause of varicose veins. Pregnancy, obesity and prolonged standing or sitting can aggravate the problem.