Varicose veins are swollen, distorted veins that appear as gnarled bulges just under the skin. They develop when the valves in the veins stop working properly, which results in reducing the circulation of blood flow. Although any vein may become varicose (taken from the Latin 'varix' meaning 'twisted'), the veins most commonly affected are those in the legs and feet. However, they may also develop in the veins from the testicles (varicocoele), around the anus (haemorrhoids) or the lower end of the gullet (oesophageal varices).
Varicose veins in the legs affects approximately 25% of men over the age of 40 and around 50% of women. Although they can be embarrassing and uncomfortable they are not usually a risk to health. However, for some people, the condition can lead to more serious problems, and may even signal a higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system.
In this section, we've put together a guide to the causes and symptoms of varicose veins, along with advice on their diagnosis and treatment.
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