Varicose veins affecting both legs and feet of a female patient. Varicose veins are veins that are distended, lengthened & tortuous. Causes include inherited tendency & obstruction to blood flow due to the narrowing of the interior lumen of the vein. The superficial veins (saphenous veins) of the legs are most commonly affected. Complications include thrombosis (clot formation) & haemorrhage (leakage of blood). Treatment includes elastic support, stripping (avulsion) or surgical removal.