Are you suffering from unsightly veins in your legs? You may have varicose veins, and the good news is that they can be treated to end your embarrassment. In this article, you will learn about varicose veins and how to get them treated.

What Is the Cause of Varicose Veins in the Legs?

Varicose veins are usually caused from blood not being able to move freely through the valves. When it occurs, the blood will begin to thicken and accumulated in one area of the vein. The swelling from the thickened blood leads to unsightly protrusions on your legs.

There are many ways to develop varicose veins. Sometimes they simply occur because you have a family history of them. Being overweight or not moving around a lot can also lead to the veins appearing on your legs.

Varicose veins are not usually life-threatening, but they can cause uncomfortable symptoms that include:

• Heavy legs that ache
• Blood clots from inflamed veins
• Nightly leg cramps when in bed

You can undergo medical treatment if you want to remove the veins.

How Are Varicose Veins Treated?

A physician can get rid of varicose veins without surgery being done in most cases. He or she will have to perform a procedure call sclerotherapy. Basically, a chemical will be injected into the affected veins that will cause them to scar up and eventually fade away.

If you don't like the idea of needles being used, the physician may be able to remove the veins by laser surgery. You will not be injected or cut during the procedure. A laser light will be shined over the affected areas of your legs to fade the veins away, but it is a procedure that is most useful for smaller veins.

Your lifestyle can also play a role in treating varicose veins. Try to start working out to keep blood circulating through your body, and to lose weight if you are obese. Try to avoid wearing clothes that are too tight, such as pants and tights that cut off blood circulation in your legs.

Start showing your legs off and stop feeling embarrassed because you have varicose veins. A physician can get rid of the problem in a timely manner, depending on the type of vein treatment you want.  Don't forget that changing your lifestyle by becoming more active can prevent the veins from coming back after you have been treated!