What is the main cause of varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins most commonly found in the legs and feet. They can be blue, purple, or skin-colored and are often raised above the skin’s surface. The most common cause of varicose veins is chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when the valves in the veins responsible for pumping blood back to the heart are damaged or not functioning properly. This causes blood to pool in the veins, leading to the characteristic swelling and twisting of varicose veins.