My legs often ache or throb if i am on them too long. is this related to my varicose veins? or do i just have bad blood circulation?

If : If your leg aches or throbs at the end of the day, especially with prolonged standing, it is consistent with symptomatic varicose veins. A problem with leg pain which is worse with walking, and better with a short period of rest is more consistent with blocked arteries in the legs. You might benefit with wearing support hose and putting your leg up for a time at the end of the day.

Could very well be: If you have visible varicose veins, your legs ache and throb, and it is generally worse latr in the day, i would see a vein specialist (phlebologist). There is a very good chance that your veins are the problems and it might very well be worth doing something about them.

Venous incompetence: With normal legs, standing for any hour pools about 500 cc's of blood, increasing the leg volume some 3-5%. This results in the "stiffness/tightness" we feel in our legs, instinctively making us move them. With venous incompetence, there is reflux of blood down the leg, compounding the volume of stagnant blood in the leg, resulting in the sensation you experience. See www.Phlebology.Org.

Probably: Patients with varicose veins usually have an underlying abnormality called venous insufficiency. This causes blood to pool in the lower extremities and may result in aching especially after standing for long periods of time.

Venous problem: It sounds like you have venous insufficiency....This is usually cased by poorly functioning valves in the veins in our legs. This can be easily diagnosed with an ultrasound test. There are many treatment options available and most don't entail surgery. Go see a vascular surgeon to be evaluated. Make sure to find a board certified vascular surgeon. (check www.Certificationmatters.Org).

Varicose veins: if you have varicose veins and our experiencing symptoms of aching or throbbing sensation after prolonged standing, it is very likely that the varicose veins are causing this problem. I would recommend use of a compression stocking during daily activities, and recommended evaluation with a venous Doppler-sonogram to determine the source of the venous reflux, and based on that management