The sting of varicose veins. (The Clinic).

I am 73 years old and weigh 155 lbs at 5' 10". I've been running five miles a day since I was 39. Recently I cut it back to four miles (11:00/mile) every other day, working out on Nautilus machines on off-days.

I have had varicose veins since I was 25 and now both legs have bulging veins. I have been told that running won't make them worse, but in the last few weeks I've noticed several new veins emerging in the inner-thigh area. They sting slightly as I near the end of my runs. Would support hose help keep them from getting any worse? Should I continue to run?

Dale Smutz, Danville, IL

Varicose (dilated) veins are common and usually become symptomatic between age 20 and 40.The function of normally operating leg veins is to send blood upward to the heart. These veins have valves that prevent the downward flow of blood. When the valves malfunction and blood flows away from the heart, the veins become dilated. This is usually a slow chronic process, and running is not a problem.

In your case, however, the bulging of the veins in the inner-thigh occurred in a few weeks time and was accompanied by stinging. This is more of an acute process, and potential causes include thrombophlebitis and trauma. It is best to cease running and visit a vascular surgeon for tests. Once an acute problem is ruled out, you may then resume running with an appropriate support hose.

David D. Picascia, M.D., Holmdel, NJ

The veins may seem more prominent during or after running because blood vessels become dilated. In addition to surgical stripping, discuss sclerotherapy with your vascular surgeon. This process consists of injecting the veins with a medication that shrinks them down in size. Aside from support hose there are custom-fitted stockings available which are more expensive and sometimes uncomfortably tight, but work better.

Todd Miller, M.D.I Rob McBane, M.D., Rochester, MN