Spider veins or varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins. Any superficial vein may become varicosed, but the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs. That's because standing and walking upright increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body.

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For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a common, mild variation of varicose veins — are simply a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes varicose veins lead to more-serious problems.

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Varicose veins may not cause any pain. Signs you may have varicose veins include:

• Veins that are dark purple or blue in colour

• Veins that appear twisted and bulging; they are often like cords on your legs 

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When painful signs and symptoms occur, they may include:

• An achy or heavy feeling in your legs

• Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs

• Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time

• Itching around one or more of your veins

• Skin discoloration around a varicose vein