VARICOSE VEINS

VARICOSE VEINS

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins. Any vein that is close to the skin's surface (superficial) can become varicose. Varicose veins most commonly affect the veins in the legs. That's because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body.

Varicose veins are usually caused by weak vein walls and valves. Inside your veins are tiny one-way valves that open to let the blood through, and then close to prevent it from flowing backward. Sometimes the walls of the veins become stretched and lose their elasticity, causing the valves to weaken.