Varicose, << VAR uh kohs, >> vein is a dilated (expanded) or distended (stretched) vein. It is caused by damaged valves that interfere with the flow of blood toward the heart. Veins in the legs often become varicose, especially when a person stands a great deal. But varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body. Pregnancy, obesity, family history, abdominal tumors, and tight clothing all may contribute to the development of varicose veins.
In advanced cases of varicose veins, bluish knotty lumps form along the vein. The patient feels considerable discomfort or pain. A disorder known as hemorrhoids is varicose veins of the rectum.
Walking daily helps promote blood return through veins and may limit swelling in the legs. Physicians recommend wearing an elastic compression stocking or bandage, which will support the varicose vein by providing pressure. Physicians often use sclerotherapy to treat varicose veins. In this therapy, they inject the varicose veins with drugs that shrink them. Larger varicose veins may be treated with heat therapy or removed through surgery.
