What are Varicose Veins?

True varicose veins are abnormal superficial veins under the skin that become dilated and twisted. They are often bulging and appear swollen and knotted. Despite their often unsightly appearance, they may or may not cause actual physical symptoms.

Varicosities result from leaky valves in the vein that normally only allow one-way flow back towards the heart. When valves are abnormal there is reflux of blood and pooling in the legs. This is exacerbated by the effects of gravity during prolonged standing. This leads to abnormal increased pressure in the superficial veins, which causes them to dilate, elongate, become tortuous, bulge, and become twisted.