Humans have veins all over the body. No matter where the vein is located, its function is to take blood back to the heart. In general, there are two types of veins, superficial and deep. Varicose veins affect superficial veins in the leg. The superficial veins connect to the deep veins by smaller connecting veins known as perforators.
Superficial veins in the leg are located just underneath the skin and are often barely visible. The squeezing action of leg muscles pushes blood up the veins and towards the heart. Inside all superficial veins are valves that prevent backflow of blood.
Superficial veins in the legs are very thinned walled and have no muscle. These veins have no ability to tolerate high pressures. Anytime blood starts to collect in superficial veins, they swell up and become very prominent. This is known as varicose veins. The other reason why varicose veins develop is when valves get damaged. This then results in pooling of blood in the leg and swelling around the ankle is quite obvious.
Therefore, any condition that increases high pressures in superficial leg veins or causes damage to valves can lead to varicose vein formation.
The most common causes of varicose veins include:
Age: Most people develop some degree of varicose veins with age. The reason for this is the vein wall starts to get weaker and loses its elasticity. The valves also start to function less efficiently. With age, tone of veins also weakens and the vein is no longer able to push blood out. The constant wear and tear leads to development of varicose veins. The majority of elderly individuals have varicose veins. However, most elderly individuals never ever complain of varicose veins or symptoms.
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