Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging veins usually found in legs.
They are veins that have lost their valve effectiveness and have become elongated, rope-like, and thickened. This occurs when the tiny valves inside the veins become weaker, causing blood to back up and make the vein swell. They are a direct result of increased pressure from venous reflux.
Varicose veins can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as achiness, swelling, heaviness, and itching.
Family history, aging being overweight or obese, and working at jobs requiring prolonged standing can increase the risk for varicose veins.