Varicose veins are those awful looking, bulging veins that are typically found on one's legs. This disorder can often be amazingly uncomfortable, and one must find out what the cause of varicose veins really is, before undergoing any treatment.

The primary organ that pumps blood to all parts of the body is the heart, which uses blood vessels to transport the blood to various parts of the body and carry it back to heart.

Arteries send blood from the heart to all the tissues of the body, but it is the function of the veins to convey used blood back to the heart so that it may be re-oxygenated. Like the heart, these vessels must perform every moment throughout the lifespan of a person, and any malfunction of the vessels can be a factor in developing any number of diseases or conditions, such as varicose veins.

There are many factors that can be taken into account as a cause of varicose veins, and these include obesity, hormonal abnormalities, lengthy periods of standing or sitting, pregnancy, and genetics. It is a vital step to determine the most likely cause of varicose veins before the most appropriate treatment can be selected for them.

Accumulating excess weight is one of the most widely known and reversible causes of varicose veins, which may arise as the result of the strain that is put on the legs. One should strive to maintain an average body weight to lower the chances of getting varicose veins. Using table salt has been known to increase water retention in the body which can increase the volume of blood, and subsequently add to body weight. It is thus advisable to regulate the intake of salt to avoid the weight accumulation that can cause complications. Regular exercise like walking is also a good idea, because it will help to keep the muscles toned as well as promote blood circulation.