I think I may have varicose veins. I have noticed some veins on the back of my calves and knee area that are puffy-looking. What should I do?

Avery

Varicose veins are extremely common in women, especially after pregnancy, if you are overweight, or if you're on your feet for long periods of time. Valves in blood vessels may be weak, allowing blood to pool and vessels to dilate. Varicose veins may be merely cosmetically displeasing, or they may cause pain.

If you have varicose veins, wearing good support hose can help decrease the achiness as well as keep the veins from enlarging. Avoid crossing your legs. Walk. Avoid standing still for long periods of time. Elevate your legs when you can. Lose weight, if you are carrying a few extra pounds. All these things may help to prevent the development of varicose veins as well.

Veins that are especially enlarged and painful may need to be "stripped" -- surgically removed through a series of tiny incisions over the length of the vein. Smaller varicosities may be treated by injection of a concentrated salt solution or by application of laser energy. See a dermatologist (for smaller varicosities) or a vascular surgeon (for larger ones).