This condition may occur in almost any part of the body, but it is most common in the lower extremities and in the esophagus.

It shows up as pain in the feet and ankles, swelling, and ulcers on the skin characterize this condition. Severe bleeding occurs if the vein is injured.

The condition is caused by incompetent venous valves that may be acquired or congenital. The development of varicose veins is promoted and aggravated by pregnancy, obesity, and occupations that require prolonged standing.

Esophageal varices are caused by portal hypertension that accompanies cirrhosis (abnormal liver condition characterized by irreversible scarring) of the liver.

More about Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are dilated tortuous (with many turns or bends) veins occurring in about fifteen per cent of adults; women more than men.

They most commonly occur in the legs, but they may also occur in the anal canal (hemorrhoids) and in the esophagus (as a result of a liver disease).

This flow, back towards the heart, is aided by valves within the veins. When these valves fail, increased pressure is exerted on the blood vessels leading to dilatations (dilated or stretched beyond normal dimensions) known as varicose veins.