Some predisposing factors include ageing, standing occupations, and leg injury or trauma. Heredity is the No 1 contributing factor that causes varicose and spider veins. Up to 55% of South African women may be affected in their lifetime. Hormonal factors seen during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control pills, affect the disease. It is common for varicose veins to become more prominent during pregnancy, and worsen with successive pregnancies.

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Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is caused by long-term blood pressure, in the leg veins, that is higher than normal. Phlebitis (inflammation of a vein) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) might lead to CVI.

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Factors that can increase the risk of CVI include :

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• Family history of varicose veins

• Being overweight

• Being pregnant

• Not enough exercise

• Smoking

• Standing or sitting for long periods of time

• Change in hormone levels

• Increased age

• Use of certain medications

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Women over 50 years have a higher risk of developing CVI.