Varicose veins are chronic venous disorders (CVDs) of the lower extremities that are caused by venous hypertension resulting from reflux in one or more of the saphenous veins and their primary tributaries.

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Therefore, varicose veins and telangiectasia (spider veins) are the visible skin surface manifestations of an underlying problem with the reverse venous flow (reflux) known as venous insufficiency syndrome.

Mild forms of chronic venous insufficiency are merely uncomfortable, annoying, or cosmetically disfiguring, but the severe venous disorder can produce serious systemic consequences and lead to loss of a limb or even life.