Causes of varicose veins
Vein wall thinning is the cause of varicose veins. Your vein’s walls weaken with increased blood pressure, which causes your vein to enlarge. The valves in your vein that control blood flow in one direction become less effective as it extends. Slow blood causes your vein to expand, bulge, and twist as it backs up or pools.
There are various reasons why vein walls and valves can weaken, including:
- Excess weight
- Hormones
- The aging process
- Restrictive clothing
- Pressure inside the vein from standing for long