A varicose vein is a disease, but not a fatal one and hence one need not get panic. Medical treatment is required if you develop clots or if they rupture. It is said that ruptured veins are more dangerous than clots. Varicose veins near the ankles have a tendency to rupture which may result in internal bleeding and heavy blood loss. Blood rushes through our legs and the veins send it back to the heart and this process is going on. Over a period of time, the veins lose their ability to push the blood upwards and this may result in the blood to settle down in certain areas of the veins. This is known as varicose veins. It is reported that more women suffer from this problem than men do. The reasons for varicose veins may form include standing for extended periods of time, obesity, pregnancy, hereditary factors, hormonal changes during menopause, history of previous vein diseases etc.