Varicose veins are bulging, swollen, purple, ropy veins, seen just under your skin, caused by damaged valves within the veins. They are more common in women than men and often run in families. Varicose veins can be caused by faulty valves in one or more perforator veins in the lower leg causing secondary incompetence at the phenofemoral junction. Increased venous pressure from any cause can cause varicosities. Deep thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the veins with thrombus formation) can cause varicose veins. In many individuals, no cause or precipitating factor found. They can also be caused by pregnancy, being severely overweight, or by standing for long periods of time. The symptoms of varicose veins include: Bulging, swollen, purple, ropy, veins seen under the skin; Spider veins - small red or purple bursts on your knees, calves, or thighs, caused by swollen capillaries (small blood vessels); Aching, stinging, or swelling of the legs at the end of the day.