Varicose veins, also known as varicosities, occur when your veins become enlarged and dilated. Poor blood circulation makes veins appear gnarled, twisted, and bulging, most commonly purple or blue. Varicose veins are often secondary to venous reflux of the saphenous veins in the leg.
Varicose veins can be painful, tender to touch, and appear swollen or raised on the surface of the skin. They can cause serious leg pain and other leg-related symptoms, including swelling, itching, cramps, and even blood clots due to varicose veins (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).
A bleeding varicosity is a cause for immediate consultation/evaluation to discuss treatment options.