Varicose veins are different from spider veins, which are shorter and finer lines that appear in "starburst" clusters or web-like mazes on areas like the face, thighs, ankles and feet.

How varicose veins occur
There are two principal systems of veins in our body: Deep veins which lie among the muscles and carry about 90 percent of the blood, and surface/superficial veins, which are located just beneath the skin surface.

Located in the veins are “one-way" valves, which keep the blood from flowing backwards. As blood is forced upwards, these valves open to allow the blood to pass. After each heartbeat, they close momentarily to prevent back flow of blood.

Surface veins carry blood from the skin surface into the deep veins. As they are not protected by muscular fibres like the deep veins are, they are weaker and more prone to become varicose.

A number of conditions can lead to the weakening of their valves and cause them to become defective. When the valves fail, blood can flow the wrong way because the pressure in the deep veins is greater than in the superficial veins.

Instead of taking the blood from the surface veins, the deep veins may actually be pumping blood back into the surface veins. When this happens, blood pools in sections of the surface veins and the pressure within them increases. As a result, the veins become twisted and swollen.

Preventive measures
Varicose veins are not only unsightly, but may also cause discomfort when the condition worsens.

This condition is more common in women than men. It may also be hereditary: There may be an inadequate number of valves, the vein walls may be weak or damaged by blood clots.

Excessive pressure on the veins caused by such factors as obesity, pregnancy or regular periods of prolonged standing can accentuate the condition.

Basically, measures that do not impede blood circulation, but enhance it rather, can help towards preventing or easing the problem:

• Exercise regularly to strengthen your leg muscles and improve blood circulation.
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods. If you are required to stand for a long period, shift your weight from one leg to another occasionally, take short walks, and keep your legs elevated when you get to sit or lie down. When your legs are raised, the veins in your legs have an easier time moving blood to your heart.
• Keep your weight down. Having to bear too much body fat can put pressure on your thighs and groin, and weaken the walls and valves of the veins in these areas.
• If you have varicose veins or are genetically prone to the problem, make use of compression stockings (available in most pharmacies).