The initial cause of vein disease may be genetics, a leg injury, pregnancy, prolonged standing or excess weight; however the root of the problem is nearly always the same. Valves in the veins become damaged and stretched due to the increased pressure caused by blood flowing down the leg and remaining there instead of flowing up to the heart as it should. Although the condition is rarely life-threatening, it is often painful and unattractive and can be debilitating.

In the United States approximately 20 million Americans suffer from chronic venous insufficiency which is the cause of varicose veins, venous leg ulcers and many other leg vein problems. These problems force many people to dramatically change their lifestyles because of the pain in their legs and feet.

For more information be sure to check out How Veins Work and How Vein Disease Develops and the 8 Warning Signs and Symptoms of vein disease.