What are varicose veins?

One out of two people over the age of 50 suffer from varicose veins.

Your circulatory system is a complex network of veins and arteries which deliver oxygen and nutrients to your entire body. Arteries carry blood out from your heart, and veins carry it back to be replenished with oxygen.

In your legs, there are veins with valves that keep blood pumping up to your heart, and prevent it from flowing back down to your feet. If these valves weaken, blood can leak back into the veins and collect, creating a condition called venous insufficiency. As the blood pools in a vein, that vein enlarges, or becomes “varicose.”

Varicose veins often appear twisted and bulging. Because these veins are swollen, they rise above the surface of the skin. They may be flesh colored, or take on a dark purple or blue color. Varicose veins commonly form on the back of the calves or the inside of the legs. Up to 40% of women and 20% of men suffer from varicose veins.

Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic problem; non-treatment can lead to leg pain, swelling, “heaviness” sensation, skin changes and ultimately ulceration that could lead to infection.