Varicose veins are a very common condition that affects one or more of the large veins in the legs. For reasons that are poorly understood, the veins become distended, either because of an inherent weakness in the walls or a malfunction of some of the one-way valves, permitting a backflow and pooling of the blood. Obesity, pregnancy, constriction of the veins with garters or tight clothing and an inherited tendency are among the contributing causes of varicose veins. Contrary to popular belief, sedentary jobs or jobs that involve standing do not, in themselves, seem to cause …
