• Enlargement of veins in legs
• Symptoms may include visible, dark blue and bulging veins and swelling of the legs
• Caused by malfunction of valves in veins or weakening of vein walls resulting in backflow of blood, or may be a result of an increased amount of blood in body due to pregnancy
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but more common in females
• Can occur at any age but increases with older age
• May be mild without symptoms or severe and painful
• Not life threatening

• Elevate your legs on a pillow
• Avoid standing for a long time
• Avoid sitting for a long time
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a balanced diet
• Avoid high-heeled shoes
• Avoid tight fitting pants
• Wear compression stockings all day
• Avoid crossing your legs
• Apply an ice pack and elevate leg if varicose vein is hit hard
• Apply pressure and elevate leg if varicose vein is scratched and bleeding

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen