Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are usually found on the legs. While they are often considered a cosmetic issue, they can also lead to more serious health problems. Varicose disease is a condition that affects the veins in the legs, causing a problem known as superficial venous insufficiency. This happens when the veins cannot efficiently return blood to the heart. Inside the veins, there are small flaps called valves that help control the flow of blood. When these valves stop working properly, blood can pool in the veins, leading to swelling and other complications. Varicose disease develops gradually over many years and can affect people in different ways. Some may only experience mild symptoms, while others may develop severe issues like leg ulcers, which are open sores on the skin. Common symptoms include a feeling of heaviness in the legs, swelling, changes in skin color, eczema, and fibrosis, which is the thickening of skin or tissue. In France, about 1% of the population has active ulcers caused by varicose disease, and the cost of treating these ulcers is estimated at 272 million euros annually. People often see a doctor when they experience pain, a heavy feeling in their legs, or swelling. A general practitioner can refer them to a vascular doctor, who can confirm the diagnosis using an ultrasound. Vascular medicine is a newer medical specialty that was established in 2015, and there are currently around 1,500 vascular doctors in France. Several factors increase the risk of developing varicose veins, including being female, pregnancy, a family history of the condition, prolonged sitting or standing, exposure to heat, being overweight, and aging. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, possibly due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. If varicose veins appear during pregnancy, treatment is usually delayed until after childbirth. A family history of varicose veins significantly increases the risk of developing the condition. Treatments for varicose disease include the use of compression garments such as bandages, socks, tights, or compression stockings, which help reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Certain veinotonics, such as Daflon or diosmine, can help relieve symptoms, but their effectiveness varies and they are no longer covered by the French Social Security. These treatments do not cure the disease but can help manage the symptoms. Curative treatments include endovascular procedures like laser or radiofrequency therapy, which destroy the affected vein from the inside. Sclerotherapy, a procedure that involves injecting a chemical into the vein to close it, is often used for established varicose veins. A newer technique called vein glue is used to close the vein but is not yet covered by the Social Security. Surgery is now typically reserved for more severe cases, as it has a longer recovery time compared to endovascular treatments.