Varicose veins is a change in the veins expressed in sacculate dilation, increase in length, and the formation of convolutions and modular glomeris. The disease develops gradually. Patients complain of a sensation of heaviness in the affected limb, of rapid fatigue and of puffiness. Sometimes a varicose ulcer develops. In addition to the physical limitations demanded by this complaint (curtailment of activities which involve long-term standing or walking), it also cause psychological discomfort due to its appearance.
To avoid varicose veins, it is recommended that people should rhythmically tighten and relax the leg muscles when standing; and when walking should avoid sandals without solid back support as these alter the action at the ankle and the pumping movements of the calf muscles. Bathing should be done at night before laying down to ensure that the heat-dilated blood vessels will not be overstretched by standing.
The disease most often affects veins of the lower extremities and rectum, and is three times more frequent among women than men.