When Should You See a Vascular Doctor? Varicose veins are bulges, bluish cords flowing just beneath the surface of your skin. Usually, they develop on the legs and feet. But visible swollen and twisted veins are surrounded by flooded capillaries known as spider veins. However, these veins are painful and disfigured but usually harmless. When they become inflamed, tender to the touch, and resist circulation, it causes swollen ankles,...