Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged, and twisted veins that typically appear on the legs and feet. They occur when vein valves weaken or become damaged, causing blood to pool and the veins to expand. These visible veins are often blue or purple and can be accompanied by symptoms such as aching, heaviness, and swelling in the affected area.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Weak or Damaged Valves: Normally, one-way valves in veins keep blood flowing toward the heart. If these valves weaken, blood may flow backward and pool, causing the vein to stretch.
• Age: As people age, veins can lose elasticity, increasing the risk of varicose veins.
• Genetics: Family history is a significant risk factor.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins, partly due to hormonal changes from pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause.
• Pregnancy: The volume of blood increases during pregnancy, which can enlarge veins, and hormonal changes relax the vein walls.
• Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Being overweight or inactive can put additional pressure on veins, worsening varicose veins.

Symptoms

• Bulging, twisted veins, often in the legs
• Aching, heaviness, or throbbing sensation in the legs
• Swelling and muscle cramps, especially at night
• Itching or burning around the veins
• Skin changes, such as discoloration near the affected area