Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged swollen veins that usually occur in the legs. They result from a weakness of valves inside veins that allow blood to flow back to the heart. If the valves do not work properly, blood accumulates in... [more]

Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged swollen veins that usually occur in the legs. They result from a weakness of valves inside veins that allow blood to flow back to the heart. If the valves do not work properly, blood accumulates in the veins, stretching them and causing varicosities. These prominent, blue, bulging veins are often accompanied by dull, nagging aches and pains. Swelling, sore legs, leg cramps and feelings of heaviness in the legs are also characteristics of varicose veins.
Amazingly, approximately 50% of middle aged adults have varicose veins. The subcutaneous veins of the legs are commonly affected, due to the tremendous strain that standing has on the veins. When a person stands for long periods, the pressure exerted against the vein can increase up to ten times. Hence, those whose occupations require long periods of standing are more susceptible to risk of developing varicose veins.
A more serious form of varicose veins involves obstruction and valve defects of the deeper veins of the leg. This type of varicose vein can lead to problems such as thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infraction and even stroke.