What are Varicose Veins?

As the arteries carry blood away from the heart, the veins return blood to the heart. Veins are very thin-walled and subsequently are prone to stretching and swelling. Additionally, there are valves which support the blood on its journey back up to the heart. In varicose veins, these valves are defective which causes the swelling associated with this condition. This swelling is what is often referred to as varicosity. Because the veins have nerves associated with them, as they stretch, they become painful.

Varicose veins are swollen veins that you can see through your skin. They often look blue, bulging, and twisted. Left untreated, varicose veins may worsen over time. Large varicose veins can cause aching and feelings of fatigue as well as skin changes like rashes, redness, and sores. As many as 40 million Americans, most of them women, have varicose veins.

You have two kinds of veins in your legs. Superficial veins lie close to your skin. Deep veins lie in groups of muscles. Deep veins lead to the vena cava, your body's largest vein, which runs directly to your heart. Perforating veins connect superficial veins to deep veins. Varicose veins occur in the superficial veins in your legs.

If you have varicose veins, your legs may feel heavy, tired, restless, or achy. Standing for too long may worsen your symptoms. You may also experience night cramps.

You may notice small clusters of veins in a winding pattern on your leg, or soft, slightly tender knots of veins. Sometimes, the skin on your legs may change color, become irritated, or even form sores.