Varicose veins are veins close to the skin that are swollen, twisted, or stretched. Veins in the legs and pelvic area are most often affected. Varicose veins are more common in women. They often first appear before age 40 and get worse with age. Unlike the arteries, which pump blood from the heart, the veins, which return blood to the heart, have no muscle tissue.
Veins use the muscles in our feet and legs to return the blood, against gravity, to the heart.
To help this process, the veins have a series of valves in them that prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves stop working, the blood has difficulty moving upward. Consequently, blood backs up in the veins where the valves no longer are functioning. These swollen veins are varicose veins. Factors that may contribute to this condition are pregnancy, excess weight, and standing on your feet for long periods of time.