Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and often bluish veins that typically appear on the legs and feet. They result from malfunctioning valves within the veins that impair proper blood flow, causing blood to pool and veins to stretch. These veins are usually visible beneath the skin and may cause discomfort or cosmetic concern. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), varicose veins affect an estimated 20% of adults, with women more frequently affected than men due to hormonal factors and pregnancy-related changes.Causes of Varicose VeinsVaricose veins are primarily caused by chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where the valves in...
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