You’ve seen them before – squiggly lines spread over the legs like tiny lines on a roadmap. To most people they’re known as spider veins, but, in the medical community, we call them varicose veins. So the next question obviously is, what are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are a common condition affecting 75 percent of women and 45 percent of men. A total of 24 million Americans suffer from this disease process. So what exactly are varicose veins? Simply put, they are veins that have become enlarged, swollen, and stretched with blood due to faulty valves within the vein. They are found near the surface of the skin and usually occur within the legs, but can also be found in other parts of the body.

To understand the cause of varicose veins, you need to understand how veins work. Under normal conditions, one-way valves in your veins push blood forward, keeping it flowing from your legs to your heart. When these valves weaken or function improperly, blood collects in your leg, causing it to swell and contort.

Although varicose veins can be hereditary, they are often due to a person’s age, lifestyle or health issues. Whatever the cause, it’s important to remember that varicose veins are absolutely treatable. Besides being unsightly, varicose veins can also be physically painful and lead to more serious issues.

Don’t live with pain or embarrassment, call (602) 547-3300 to learn how we can help you live a better life.