Women are twice as likely as men are to develop the condition especially during pregnancy, writes Dr Marga Boyani
Varicose veins are elongated, tortuous veins with incompetent valves. They are unsightly, uncomfortable, bulge, throb and feel heavy. The affected legs and feet can swell and the skin may itch. Most are close to the surface of the skin so can be easily seen, but they may also be hidden in the deeper tissues like in the calves of the legs.