Varicose veins are the bulging, twisted veins near the skin’s surface and are usually found in the legs and feet. Most commonly found in women between the ages of 30 and 70, varicose veins affect up to 40% of adults in the US. Generally, varicose veins occur in mostly women between the ages of 30 and 70. Even though less prevalent, men do develop the condition. Some people are genetically predisposed to developing varicose veins, while others may develop varicose veins from pregnancy, excess weight, standing on your feet for long periods of time or leg injury.

• 40 million people in the U.S. have varicose veins
• Four times more prevalent than arterial (heart) disease
• Varicose veins affect 25% of women and 15% of men
• Over 1 million people in U.S. seek treatment yearly

If you have varicose veins, you may have no other symptoms. Or, you may have any or all of the following symptoms: painful, heavy or achy legs, swelling in the legs, ankles or feet, legs that tire easily, itchy skin near the affected area, discolored brown skin at the ankle or skin ulcers near the ankle.