Treatment is usually conservative. You will be asked to avoid excessive standing, raise your legs when resting or sleeping, and wear elastic support hose.

You may need treatment to improve the appearance of your legs. Surgery may be recommended, such as:

• Vein stripping and removal of the varicose vein (ligation)
• Sclerotherapy of veins

Vein stripping is usually reserved for patients who are experiencing a lot of pain or who have skin ulcers.

See also:

• Varicose vein - noninvasive treatment
• Varicose vein stripping

Varicose veins tend to get worse over time. You can ease discomfort and slow varicose vein progression with self care.

• Phlebitis (chronic inflammation of the vein)
• Formation of leg ulcers
• Rupture of a varicose vein

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• Varicose veins are painful
• They get worse or do not improve with self-treatment, such as keeping the legs elevated or avoiding excessive standing
• Complications occur, including a sudden increase in pain or swelling, fever, redness of the leg, or leg ulcers