When we look at varicose veins, we’re observing twisted and swollen veins that appear to be directly under the surface of our skin. They look rather blue-ish and they come in different shapes and sizes with different symptoms. Some of them may throb, they might bulge above the surface and they can be quite uncomfortable. The skin around them may itch, and you may even notice your feet swelling up. You’ll mostly see varicose veins on the back of your leg, on your calf usually, although they also show up frequently in the area of the groin. Varicose veins of the anal area is what we call hemorrhoids; the fact is, they can actually show up just about anywhere on your body. That’s because you have veins almost everywhere inside of you.
There are many experts who will tell you that constipation can be a cause of varicose veins. They point out that when a person strains to have a bowel movement it can affect their veins, even to the point of shutting off veins and forcing backflow blood to reroute itself. They argue that by introducing more fiber into a person’s diet constipation can be lessened. Try more vegetables and fresh fruit in your diet, and stick to whole grains as much as is practical. Cut back on fats where you can. Since high-fiber diets work with your body to promote regularity in as natural and gentle a way as possible, you should give due consideration to this option.
Sadly, there are times when dietary changes are not enough to remedy the situation. Sometimes surgery is called-for, and it is not to be considered lightly. Such operations include the removal of the damaged veins and so, consequently, possible side-effects include thrombophlebitis (pain and swelling of veins), varicose ulcers (above the ankle), and varicose eczema (skin dryness and itching). 
Doctors usually advise surgery when the large veins are affected. They also feel surgery may be helpful in reducing severe pain.
The procedure is called vein stripping. A patient can either be asleep under general anesthesia, or an epidural block can be administered in which the patient is awake but the lower half of his body is numb. Many women who have had babies will be familiar with the epidural block.
The surgery is done with two incisions, one near the groin, and one near the ankle. The damaged vein is completely pulled out and other veins in the leg will take over the job of circulating blood.
It usually takes six to eight weeks to recover, and the patient will have his leg bandaged for several weeks after the surgery. Recovery time is one more factor that should be considered as you and your Doctor decide what procedure is the best for you.