What are Varicose Veins? 
Veins normally function to return blood to the heart. Valves in the veins close after blood travels up the vein, preventing blood from backing up (refluxing) down the vein. Valves can become abnormal, or incompetent for a variety of reasons, including trauma, pregnancy, or hereditary factors. Once a valve becomes incompetent, the vein below the valve is exposed to higher pressure, and can become larger (dilate). Other valves and veins nearby are exposed to the higher pressure and can also dilate. Varicose veins commonly appear on the legs as raised, often ropy, enlarged veins. They can cause the legs to swell, throb or ache, and in severe cases, can lead to inflammation, ulceration and even blood clots.

How common are abnormal leg veins?
As many as 60% of all American women and men suffer from some form of vein disorder, but women are more often affected. For women age 35-59, approximately 50% are affected and this percentage increases with age. It also is estimated that 41% of all women will suffer from abnormal leg veins by the time they are in the 50s. The symptoms caused by varicose and spider veins range from a cosmetic nuisance to an aching, heavy or crampy sensation, to a painful condition which limits enjoyable activities or even the ability to work. The most severe cases can lead to significant swelling and ulcer formations on the legs.
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