Varicose veins are veins that are abnormally dilated and twist or turn. Veins have valves that prevent backflow of blood while being carried against gravity. When these veins stretch and weaken, the blood pools in the lower extremities.
Risk factors for varicose veins includes: Congenital weakness fo the veins, Obesity, Pregnancy, constrictive clothes, sitting for long periods of time, obstruction caused by blood clots, tumors, etc and advanced aging.
Varicose veins can be managed or the risk decreased by controlling the above noted factors. They can be treated with surgery, sclerotherapy to close off the vein or endovenous ablation to cauterize the vein.