Getting rid of these gnarly eyesores.

• Position: Varicose Veins

Varicose veins--dark, gnarly veins snaking down legs--are not pretty. They can occur anywhere, but most commonly are found on the legs and feet. They develop when the valves in a vein weaken, causing the blood to pool. This pressure changes the size and shape of a vein, note researchers at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Varicose veins can be quite noticeable, although they usually look worse than they feel, and can cause achy or heavy sensations in the legs. Rarely, they can contribute to serious complications such as a blood clot in the vein.

Lifestyle changes can help reduce discomfort. Options include avoiding long periods of sitting or standing, being physically active, and, if needed, losing weight. Compression stockings, available over-the-counter and by prescription, can help keep blood from pooling. Several surgical procedures are options when varicose veins do not respond to lifestyle modifications.

Sclerotherapy. Physicians inject a chemical into the vein, causing irritation and scarring. The treatment may need to be repeated several times. The result is a closed vein that will fade from view.

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Laser therapy. Strong bursts of light are directed at a vein--usually a smaller one--which slowly will fade and disappear.

Endovenous thermal ablation. Heat from lasers or radio waves is used to injure the vein and scar it shut. It is applied via a small tube (catheter) that is...