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Varicose veins in the legs
Varicose veins in the legs
Varicose veins in the legs develop when the small valves inside the veins become damaged and stop working properly. These valves open to let blood through and then close to stop it flowing backward. If the valves are damaged the blood can flow backward and collect in the vein. This causes the vein to become swollen and enlarged.
Many people with varicose veins in the legs have no symptoms. Other people have symptoms such as pain, aching, discomfort, swelling, heaviness and itching in the lower leg.