Dear Methuselah,

What you're describing sounds like the beginnings of varicose veins, or what one nurse practitioner calls spider veins. There are two principal systems of veins in the legs — the deep veins, which are located within the muscles, and which carry about 90 percent of the blood, and the surface veins, which are often visible just below the skin and are less well-supported. Circulating blood will oxygenate the tissues in the legs, then the veins will collect it and pump it upwards by contractions of the leg muscles. The blood passes through to veins in the abdomen, which return the blood to the heart. Valves in the veins prevent blood from draining back down the leg under the force of gravity. These valves have a huge job to do, and in many people they become defective, causing blood to accumulate in the superficial veins, making them prominent, swollen and distorted. These are called varicose veins.

Varicose veins are extremely common. Doctors aren't sure why some people and not others are predisposed to this condition. Hereditary and apparently gender factors are at work, as varicose veins run in families, and women outnumber men, four to one. It is believed that prolonged standing or inactivity can cause varicose veins in people genetically predisposed to them. Strain in the abdominal region, from repeated heavy lifting, pregnancy, or constipation, can also be a cause. Age is also a factor because as the skin ages, it loses its elasticity and cannot support the veins as firmly.

In terms of prevention, you're in a good place to keep the veins from becoming more prominent, swollen, and distorted. You may be able to head them off by avoiding standing or sitting for long periods in the same position. Get up and take breaks. Change the wheres and hows of your posture. Walking for exercise can also help control a mild case of varicose veins. In addition, Alice espouses support hose (nylons, stockings). They're a bit expensive, and slightly thicker than regular pantyhose, but they feel tremendous! (And they cover up those spider veins!) Lastly, don't wear tight shoes or any other type of constrictive clothing on your legs (leggings, garters, etc.).