Varicose veins are enlarged, ropy veins, usually dark purple or blue in color, and most commonly appearing in the legs and feet. They gradually develop valves in the vein weaken from age or pregnancy, and blood that should be moving toward the heart flows backward and pools in the vein.
For some people, varicose veins are a cosmetic concern—while for others, they may cause pain, discomfort, throbbing or itching, and can indicate the risk of other vascular problems.