Varicose veins is a common condition observed in practice whereby patients present with dilated, tortuous, and elongated veins, especially on the legs. However, any vein in the body that gets twisted, stretched out, or loses elasticity, could be labeled as varicose.

The veins have a certain valve-like mechanism that allows the blood to move upwards toward the heart. The valves have leaflets. When the leaflets lose their elasticity, the valves lose their capacity to push blood upwards; hence there is a back pressure which leads to further elongation of the veins. The veins also have reduced elasticity. As a result, the veins get ‘tortuous’ or twisted; as well as hardened. The veins, thus, become visible as zigzag vascular tubes, especially on legs.

Varicose veins affect especially the depending parts of the body that is lower limbs, which gets even worse when one tends to stand longer. People in the business of standing for long, such as salespeople, policemen, plastic surgeons (tend to stand for hours during surgery), etc. are at risk of developing varicose veins. (Click for more photos.)

c If eczema on the affected parts, there may be infection leading to wounds which may take time to heal

d Thrombophlebitis: Due to clot formation in the veins, due to sluggish circulation

Postural correction and changes form an important part of treatment for varicose veins, as under: