Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red or flesh colored.  They are often above the skin on legs and look like twisted bulging cords. Varicose veins occur when the valves that carry blood from the legs toward the heart no longer function, causing blood to pool and the veins to enlarge. Untreated varicose veins typically enlarge and worsen. Varicose veins can progress to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) especially when swelling and skin changes become evident.  This becomes a more serious condition.

Risk factors for the development of varicose veins include a family history of varicose veins, female gender, increased number of pregnancies, premenstrual leg aches or cramps, being overweight, a sedentary life style, occupations that require prolonged sitting or standing and  increasing age as the most common.