Gnarled, enlarged veins, most commonly appearing in the legs and feet. Varicose veins are generally benign. The cause of this condition is not known.
For many people, there are no symptoms and varicose veins are simply a cosmetic concern. In some cases, they cause aching pain and discomfort or signal an underlying circulatory problem.
Treatment involves compression stockings, exercise or procedures to close or remove the veins.
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins. Any vein that is close to the skin’s surface (superficial) can become varicosed. 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, also known as varicoses or varicosities, occur when your veins become enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with blood. Varicose veins typically appear swollen and raised, and have a bluish-purple or red color. They are often painful.
The condition is very common, especially in women. Around 25 percent of all adults have varicose veins. In most cases, varicose veins appear on the lower legs.