September 16, 2020
What are Varicose Veins? video thumbnail

What are Varicose Veins?

Answered by
Dr. Rajiv Nagesetty

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins caused by chronic venous insufficiency. When one-way valves in the veins fail, blood pools in the legs, creating increased pressure that leads to visible veins, leg pain, swelling, fatigue, and, over time, skin changes and more serious complications.

Varicose veins are the result of a condition called venous insufficiency. Veins have one-way valves that help return blood to the heart, and when those valves don’t work properly, blood pools in the lower legs.

This back pressure in the veins leads to varicose veins and can also cause leg swelling, leg pain, and fatigue. Over time, venous insufficiency can result in skin changes and become a serious medical problem if left untreated.

Certain factors increase the risk of developing venous insufficiency, including pregnancy and jobs that require prolonged sitting or standing. We commonly see this in people who work at desks or use computers for most of the day.

I’m Rajiv Nagesetty, and thank you for listening.

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