Varicose veins refer to the veins that are twisted and enlarged. They include any superficial vein but is most commonly seen in those in your legs (due to increased pressure on leg veins while standing or walking).

Following are the symptoms of varicose veins:
-Discoloration of veins (dark purple, blue)
-Bulged and twisted veins
-Pain, muscle cramping, or heaviness in the legs
-Burning, and swelling in the lower legs
-Worsening of pain on sitting or standing for a long time
-Itchiness or skin discoloration around veins
-Spider veins(smaller than varicose veins, red or blue and near the skin's surface)

Varicose veins are a result of damaged or weakened valves. Veins in the leg have to work against gravity to return blood to the heart. Damaged or weakened valves cause backflow of blood, resulting in a pool in the vein, leading to stretch or twist in the veins.

Following steps are carried out to diagnose varicose veins:
-Physical examination of your leg by the physician to check swelling.
-Ultrasound test to check the functioning of valves of the leg or to rule out a blood clot.

Application of ice for 10 to 20 minutes at a time can help relieve symptoms of pain, swelling and redness temporarily. However, this will not help cure the varicosity.