Varicose veins are a condition in which blood vessels become swollen and visible through the skin. This can cause pain and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. The main causes are:
Weak valves in the blood vessels: Small valves help prevent blood from flowing downwards as it flows through the veins back to the heart. When these valves become weak or damaged, the blood pools at the bottom and the veins become swollen.
Standing for long periods of time: People who have to stand for long periods of time, such as teachers, security guards, and nurses, have slower blood flow. Varicose veins develop because the veins have to work harder to pump blood against gravity.
Obesity and lack of exercise: When you gain weight, the blood vessels in your legs feel extra pressure. And when physical activity decreases, the leg muscles lose their ability to pump blood upwards.
Hormonal changes and pregnancy: In women, the increased blood volume and hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause veins to expand. Menopause and the use of birth control pills also increase the risk.
Heredity: If your parents or close relatives have this problem in your family, your risk of developing varicose veins is more than 50 percent higher.