Definition of Varicose veins Varicose veins are swollen,
twisted, and sometimes painful veins that have filled with an
abnormal collection of blood. Causes, incidence, and risk
factors In normal veins, valves in the vein keep blood moving
forward toward the heart. With varicose veins, the valves do not
function properly, allowing blood to remain in the vein. Pooling
of blood in a vein causes it to enlarge. Signs and tests The
diagnosis is mainly based on the appearance of the leg veins
when you are standing or seated with the legs dangling.
Treatment is usually conservative. You will be asked to avoid
excessive standing, raise your legs when resting or sleeping,
and wear elastic support hose. Varicose veins tend to get worse
over time. You can ease discomfort and slow varicose vein
progression with self care. Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH,
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by Davi