Up to 40 per cent of women are prone to developing blue and bulging varicose veins. For some, they may be just a cosmetic concern, but for others they can cause much pain and discomfort. Varicose veins can be a symptom of more serious circulatory problems, and can even cause blood clots. But there's no need to get paranoid. Below are some advices on how to prevent and treat the problem.

BASIC FACTS

Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of your body and veins take the de-oxygenated blood back to your heart. To do this, the veins in your legs have to fight gravity. With age, valves in the veins weaken. Coupled with downward pressure like pregnancy, prolonged standing and obesity, blood is not able to flow upwards. The de-oxygenated blood then pools and enlarges the veins. Varicose veins can appear on the inner calves, back of the calves and inner thighs.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

* Enlarging superficial veins on the calf and symptoms like cramps, pigmentation and rash around the ankles, or a heaviness in the leg if you've been standing for long.

* Veins start to turn blue because of the de-oxygenated blood that they contain.

* Know the difference between spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins are usually flat and fine, branching out like a tree. Varicose veins are large and worm-like and rose above the surface of the skin. Spider veins are usually not a medical concern.

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

Improve circulation by exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, propping your legs up once in a while and sticking to low heels. These help to reduce your risk and may help in pain relief.

* Ligation and Stripping If your condition worsens despite the self-help measures, or the appearance of the veins is troubling you, you may want to consider surgery. Ligation and stripping involve making a cut from the top of the veins, tying them up and then stripping them from under the skin. This is the conventional way of removing varicose veins and has proved to be very effective, but causes scars and painful bruises.

* Endovenous Laser Technique A small laser fibre is inserted in the affected veins and then heated to close them up. It can be done as a day surgery and there is minimal pain.

* Sclerotherapy Smaller varicose veins can be injected with a substance that damages the inner lining of the vein and causes it to close.

Avoid prolonged standing to lower your chances of getting varicose veins. If you need to be on your feet, keep moving because muscle action in the calf stimulates blood flow in the veins and so reduces vein pressure.

Once varicose veins have developed, the only way to get rid of them is through surgery. Varicose veins can lead to long-term complications such as ulcers in the leg so it is important to go to a doctor early to get them assessed and treated if necessary.