Aging & Health A to Z

Varicose Veins and Other Vein Disorders

Basic Facts & Information

Varicose veins are swollen, and sometime painful, veins that have filled with more blood than is usual.  As many as one out of every two people over the age of 50 is affected by varicose veins. 

Varicose veins happen most often on your calves or inside of your legs and bulge above the skin’s surface. Varicose veins are usually dark purple or blue in color, and may look “ropey” or twisted. Smaller varicose veins may be thinner and red rather than purple and swollen; these are called “spider veins.”

Other Vein Problems

A blockage in a vein can occur close to the surface of your skin, called superficial thrombophlebitis.  Blockages can also happen in veins deeper inside your body and in thise case, the condition is called deep vein thrombosis.  Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Updated: March 2012
Posted:  March 2012