Varicose Veins: Causes, Risks and What Helps

What they are

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins you can see just under the skin. They usually form in the legs, but can appear elsewhere — hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein.

How they form

Veins have one-way valves that keep blood flowing toward the heart. If the valves are weak or damaged, blood can back up and pool, making the veins swell.

Who is at risk

Varicose veins are very common. You're more at risk if you:

• are older;
• are female;
• have obesity;
• don't exercise;
• have a family history of them.

They can also be more common during pregnancy.

Diagnosis

Doctors often diagnose them from a physical exam; sometimes you may need more tests.

What helps

To keep them from getting worse:

• exercise, and lose weight if needed;
• raise your legs when resting;
• don't cross your legs when sitting;
• wear loose clothing;
• avoid standing for long periods.

If they are painful, or you don't like how they look, your doctor may recommend procedures to remove them.

Sources

Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Varicose Veins," National Library of Medicine, drawing on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; a work of the United States government in the public domain.