Why do people get varicose veins

Answer 1

To further this answer yes it is due to incompetent valves in the venous system, typically in the lower extremity. These incompetent valves lead to reflux of venous blood, pooling, and ultimately dilation of the thin wall distensible veins. In the venous system unlike the arterial system which have muscular walls we have two ways of helping blood get back to the heart; first we have valves in most veins which prevent blood from refluxing, second is we use muscles to propel venous blood back ie the calf muscles will contract squeezing the blood back towards the heart. When one or both of these mechanisms fail you can get lower varicose veins, LE edema, and "venous stasis" changes such as venous stasis dermatitis. For prevention it is recommended to elevate extremities, use of medical compression socks/stockings which need to be fitted by a professional, as well a rectifying any risk factors. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Varicose veins are a result of inefficient vein valves that cause blood pools under the skin.