What Weakens Leg Veins Until They Twist

A report gives the cause as "weak or damaged vein walls and valves." That phrase is the hard part, so here it is in pieces.

The statement as published

The publisher www.nhlbi.nih.gov writes: "Varicose veins are a common condition caused by weak or damaged vein walls and valves." Three things sit in that sentence. The condition is common. The condition is varicose veins. The cause is weakness or damage in the walls and valves.

What each piece asks of you

Walls and valves are the two parts named, and both belong to the vein. The sentence puts the cause inside the vein.

Common means you are not unusual for meeting the term. The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia has an entry on varicose veins to read beside this page.

Where cause wording leads next

Your report may go on to name a treatment. A page on sclerotherapy treatment and recovery covers one such name. Read it so the word is familiar before you see it in a plan.

A neighbouring term has its own page. Read spider veins causes, symptoms and treatment for that term.

The shortest version

The cause is weak or damaged walls and valves in the vein. Ask the clinician which part your report means, and bring the page you marked.