Varicose Veins are superficial veins that have lost their ability to appropriately carry blood up and out of the leg, thus allowing the blood to flow backward toward the feet. Also known as venous insufficiency or venous reflux, varicose veins are a result of non-functioning valves inside the veins. Once a vein has become varicose, it won’t go back to normal and should be treated, if causing symptoms.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
There are many factors that may cause varicose veins to appear. However, the leading cause of varicose veins is heredity. A family history of vein disease will determine your predisposition to developing the same. Also, women are three times more likely to develop vein disease due to hormone fluctuations and the effects of pregnancy and weight gain on the venous system. Individuals who work jobs that require long periods of standing are also at risk, as it puts undue stress on the venous system. Finally, a traumatic leg injury can increase the chance that an individual will develop venous reflux.