Varicose veins cause a great deal of morbidity in our population today. They are part of the penalty we pay for the adoption of the erect posture. They affect 10–20% of population in the Western world but in India, it is 5%. Varicose veins do not threaten life and are seldom disabling, but they cause a considerable demand on medical care. They are the cause of morbidity and loss of precious work hours and a significant financial burden on the health-care system.
