What are varicose veins and why do they occur?
Veins, which have one-way valves, channel the deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The one-way valves prevent blood from flowing backward (reflux). If they fail to close properly, blood will leak through the valves and result in pooling. Over time, this pooling will force the vein wall outward resulting in enlargement and bulging of the vein. These enlarged veins are varicose veins. Varicose veins can protrude from the skin surface resulting in a rope-like appearance.
