Varicose veins are twisted and swollen veins and that appear close to the skin. They are often blue and unsightly. They cause discomfort, as the legs feel heavy, swollen, itchy and throbbing. They are usually located at the back of the calf, but can occur almost anywhere Haemorrhoids are the varicose veins around the anus. In most cases they are just a nuisance, but can develop into a more serious health problem.

They are a common condition in Western World, with about 60% of Americans being affected at some stage of their lives. Women tend to develop varicose veins more often than men. Sometime this condition occurs only during pregnancy and it disappears a few weeks or months after delivery. There is also evidence of this problem running in familes.

Several major factors contribute to the development of this condition, such as obesity, hormonal problems, especially in menopause, prolonged periods of standing or sitting, heredity and past vein conditions such as thrombophlebitis.

In most cases medical treatment is not required, particularly if preventive measures are followed and proper care is taken to make sure the condition does not become worse. Problems may occur, however, such as a deep vein blood clots or leg ulcers, in which case medical attention is needed. If you are concerned about the look of your veins or they become painful and severely uncomfortable, or any signs or ulcers develop, see your doctor.

The diagnosis will include X-ray or an ultrasound procedure to determine the presence of any serious problem. In some cases surgery may be recommended and the enlarged veins removed. A procedure called sclerotherapy can be done on smaller veins, which involves the injection of a chemical into them. A solution is injected into the vein that causes its walls to swell and shut down. The vein becomes scar tissue and the blood flow stops. This treatment may need to be repeated on the same vein. Any unusual coloration disappears in a few weeks. If done correctly, this treatment is very effective. The improvement rate is 50-90%. There are small side effects possible, such as lingering pain in the area of injection, which usually disappears after a while, small skin sores and bruises, spots or brown lines around the area of injection, which also disappear. These are mostly a cosmetic problem, which normally do not have any serious consequences. Some inflammation is possible on treated veins, which can be treated with aspirin or antibiotics and is not dangerous. In most cases, however, medical intervention is not needed.

Self-help measures can stop or slow down the development of varicose veins and people who are predisposed to this problem or already have it should take care to follow a few simple rules to relieve and prevent it from developing further:

- Don't sit with your legs crossed. It impedes proper blood circulation in the legs.

- Exercise. Walking is very much recommended, as it improves blood circulation and keeps the leg muscles toned.

- Avoid being overweight.

- Avoid standing or sitting for a long periods of time. If your job requires you to stand, then try to shift your weight from one leg to another periodically. If you have to sit at work - try to stand up and walk around as much as possible, taking walks at break times. Stand up and move around every 40 minutes when on a plane (choose an aisle seat). During long car rides try to stop and take a short walk every 45 minutes.

- Wearing elastic support stockings helps the condition by squeezing legs muscles so the veins move blood more efficiently.

- Don't wear tight clothing that constrict your waist or legs. Flat shoes are preferred, rather then heals, as they exercise your calf muscles better.

- Eating high-fibre foods and maintaining good digestion is important. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals and other high-fibre food. Drink plenty of water. Constipation makes varicose veins worse.

- High salt intake promotes swelling. Go easy on salt.

- Rest with your legs up.

- Some specialists recommend walking in knee-deep water, when you have a chance. It massages your veins and muscles. Some studies suggest that herbal or nutritional supplements may be helpful in alleviating varicose veins. One supplement that is mentioned is a bioflavonoid Quercetin. Another supplement is horse chestnut. These supplements may soothe some symptoms of this problem, but it is unlikely that they will eliminate the condition entirely.