Over 25 million Americans suffer from varicose veins. Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can become twisted in appearance and accompanied by feelings of pain. They can develop due to a variety of circumstances, including weakened vein walls and faulty valves. Weakened vein walls can allow the blood that should be moving toward your heart to flow backward. Faulty valves in the veins can allow blood to pool and pressure to build up. Combined, these problems can damage the veins, creating varicose veins.
Treatment of varicose veins can vary widely. Some treatments include use of compression socks.
