Varicose veins are veins under the skin that have become swollen, twisted and bulging. They are usually seen in the legs and feet. They are quite common, and most of the times do not cause any problems. However, they can be disfiguring and be a cause for cosmetic concern in females. The veins of the lower limb have one way valves that keep the blood moving towards the heart and prevent its backflow. If the valves are weak or become damaged, blood can back up and pool in the veins. Over time, the continuous pooling cause the veins to become stretched, swollen and tortuous. Raised pressure in these veins also causes development of spider veins and discolored areas which look like bruises.