Heredity is the number one factor in varicose vein development, but it’s often not the exclusive cause. Varicose veins are slightly more common in women than men, and among women, every pregnancy worsens varicose veins.
Jobs with significant standing are probably the next highest risk factor. We see lots of nurses, teachers, hair dressers, etc. Trauma to the leg can also play a role in the development of varicose veins.