What are varicose veins?
Veins rely on a series of one-way valves to carry blood back to the heart. When those valves begin to fail, venous insufficiency and varicose veins result, as blood begins to backflow and pool in the veins. The result is twisted, enlarged purple or dark blue veins, usually present in the legs and feet. This condition veins are more common in women and affect about 23% of all Americans.
Varicose veins can be unsightly and painful. If they become inflamed, they can cause circulation problems, resulting in swollen ankles and aching limbs. Left untreated, they can lead to more serious complications, including blood clots, skin ulcers, bleeding and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
A number of factors can cause this condition, including heredity, gender, pregnancy and age. Other factors, such as obesity, prolonged standing, physical trauma and lifestyle changes may not cause varicose veins but can speed their development.
