Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are veins which have become lengthened, enlarged, and "knotty" in appearance. The change occurs commonly in the surface veins of the legs. As such a vein lengthens, it becomes tortuous.
Varicose veins may be caused by any factor which retards the flow of blood through the veins involved. Varicose veins occur more commonly in some families than in others. Pressure against the pelvic veins in pregnancy or by an abdominal tumor may cause the veins of the legs to become varicose. Prolonged standing (as in barbering), prolonged lifting, and overweight contribute to the condition.
Symptoms can include swelling of the legs and ankles, fatigability and cramps in the leg muscles when standing for any length of time, itching of the skin of the legs, pigmentation (darkening) of the skin of the legs, and a tendency toward varicose ulcers.
