Causes of Varicose Veins

There are many reasons why varicose veins might occur, including:

• Age – Veins lose elasticity as we age and may become more prone to stretching. When that occurs, blood can pool within the veins, enlarging them so they become varicose.
• Pregnancy – The circulatory system changes during pregnancy, allowing blood to flow more freely in the body, but decreasing flow from the legs to the pelvis. This change can result in enlarged veins in the legs, which may or may not improve on their own once the pregnancy is over
• Heredity – Abnormalities in the walls of the vein that contribute to varicose veins might be inherited.
• Excess Weight – Additional weight means additional pressure on the lower body, which can create the right environment for varicose veins
• Prolonged Standing or Sitting – When pressure is maintained on the lower part of the body through prolonged sitting or standing, varicose veins may be the result.
  Any of these factors can lead to damaged valves within the veins, which can lead to a pooling of blood and the development of varicose veins.