Leg vein problems, such as varicose veins and spider veins, may not put your life in danger, but they can be very painful. You might also feel embarrassed by the way they look. Have you given up swimming and wearing shorts because you think people are staring the twisted, bulging, purple veins on your calf?

Even if your legs don’t hurt, the problem with your veins could be more than just cosmetic. It could be a symptom of a more serious problem. So to be safe, it is wise to check with your doctor before visiting the cosmetic surgery clinic at the mall.

If you have problems in the veins you can see, you might also have problems in the veins you can’t see. If blood is collecting in the veins deep inside your legs, you could have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots in your veins. If a blood clot breaks free from a deep vein it can travel from the vein to the heart. If it travels from the heart to a lung, it’s called a pulmonary embolism (PE). PE can cause serious damage to your lungs and heart—possibly even heart failure. Click here to learn more about pulmonary embolism.

Your doctor, or a doctor who specializes in venous disease, can look at your veins, discuss your medical history and risk factors and use an ultrasound test to look at how blood is (or isn’t) flowing through your veins to diagnose any problems and discuss your options for treatment.