Topic Overview

• Topic Overview
• Cause
• Symptoms
• What Happens
• What Increases Your Risk
• When To Call a Doctor
• Exams and Test
• Treatment Overview
• Prevention
• Home Treatment

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. They most commonly develop in the legs and ankles.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins develop when you have faulty valves in your veins and weakened vein walls. Normally, the one-way valves in these veins keep the blood flowing efficiently against gravity up toward the heart. When these valves do not function properly, blood pools, pressure builds up, and the veins become weakened, enlarged, and twisted. This is called venous insufficiency .

Some people may be more likely than others to develop varicose veins because of inherited characteristics (genetics), the aging process, or hormone changes. Varicose veins may also result from conditions that increase pressure on the leg veins, such as being overweight or pregnant or having an occupation that requires standing for long periods of time.