WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Varicose veins

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that can occur anywhere a vein is close to skin, but occur most often in the legs. Faulty valves in veins and weakened and stretched vein walls cause varicose veins to develop.

Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David A. Szalay, MD
- Vascular Surgery
Last Updated February 11, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 11, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
@ 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.