Varicose veins, also known as varices or varicosities, are bulging, twisted veins that usually appear in the legs and are a form of chronic venous disease. Clinically, a varicose vein is defined as a dilated vein 3 mm in diameter or larger, as measured in the upright (standing) position.[1] The two veins most commonly affected are the greater saphenous vein and the small saphenous vein, both of which are found in the leg; varicose veins in other parts of the body, such as the pelvis, are less common. Varicosities can occur in one or several veins and may change in size or appearance over time. They may cause discomfort, but serious complications are rare. Without treatment, they do not go away.
References
- ^Eklöf B, Rutherford RB, Bergan JJ, Carpentier PH, Gloviczki P, Kistner RL, Meissner MH, Moneta GL, Myers K, Padberg FT, Perrin M, Ruckley CV, Smith PC, Wakefield TW,Revision of the CEAP classification for chronic venous disorders: consensus statement.J Vasc Surg.(2004-Dec)