Can You Stop Varicose Veins From Forming? Here's What Doctors Say.

Here's what experts want you to know about this common medical condition.

As you get older, it’s not uncommon to notice large, twisty veins forming on your legs. According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, as many as 40 million Americans have what are known as varicose veins.

But what causes varicose veins, and is there any way to prevent them? We asked vascular experts to break it down.

First of all, what exactly are varicose veins?

“Varicose veins are the bigger, bulging, twisted veins that you often see running down someone’s legs,” said Dr. Justin Ha, a physician and vein specialist with Metro Vein Centers.

A common myth about varicose veins is that they’re purely a cosmetic issue. Although some people may only experience aesthetic changes, that’s not always the case.