Varicose veins

In varicose veins, the valves do not function properly, allowing blood to remain in the vein. Pooling of blood in a vein causes it to enlarge.This process usually occurs in the veins of the legs, although it may occur elsewhere. Varicose veins are common, affecting mostly women.

Causes:

congenitally defective valves

pregnancy

thrombophlebitis

occupations like teachers traffic police

primary varicose veins occur because of congenitally defective valves, or without a known cause. Secondary varicose veins occur because of another condition, such as when a pregnant woman develops varicose veins.

Symptoms:

heaviness, aching pain in the legs

visible, enlarged veins

mild swelling of ankles

brown discoloration at the ankles

skin ulcers near the medial malleolus