Other than the obvious cosmetic concerns of swelling
and discoloration symptoms of varicose veins include:

Itching

Burning sensations

Throbbing

Muscle cramping

Achy or heavy feelings in your legs

Ulcers / Sores

Blood Clots

Bleeding

In most cases varicose veins are caused by the malfunction of the small valves located inside our veins that open to allow blood flow toward our hearts then close to stop blood from flowing in the opposite direction.

When these valves are damaged or weakened, blood can flow backward and pool in the vein, this causes the vein to swell and then eventually twist.

The veins in our legs are susceptible to become varicose due to increased pressure from walking and standing upright.

There are several factors that can increase your risk for valve malfunction including:

• Hereditary or Family history – valve malfunction can be inherited.

• Pregnancy – during pregnancy the growing fetus applies added pressure to the lower body and can result in varicose veins on the legs.

• Weight – excess weight can strain the veins and limit the flow of blood back to the heart.

• Female hormones – female hormones and medications that contain female hormones, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy are thought to relax the veins, limiting their ability to move the blood along.

• Age – as we get older, our veins, along with their valves and walls, get older as well. With age veins begin to deteriorate and varicose veins can form.

• Blood clots – though varicose veins can cause blood clots pre-existing blood clots can decrease blood flow through the veins adding pressure on the valves.

• Standing for extended periods of time.