Varicose veins （静脉曲张 /ˈverəˌkōs/）are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs and feet. They may be blue or dark purple, and are often lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance.
静脉曲张通常是指肿胀和扩大的静脉，通常发生在腿和脚上。它们可能是蓝色或深紫色，并且通常在外观上呈块状、鼓鼓的或扭曲的。（from nhs.uk）
Causes of varicose veins 静脉曲张的原因
Varicose veins develop when the small valves （小瓣膜） inside the veins stop working properly.
当静脉内的小瓣膜停止正常工作时，就会出现静脉曲张。
In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to the heart. The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through.
在健康的静脉中，血液顺畅地流向心脏。血液通过一系列的小瓣膜来阻止回流，这些瓣膜的打开和关闭使血液通过。
If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be swollen and enlarged (varicose 静脉曲张).
如果瓣膜变弱或受损，血液就会回流并聚集在静脉中，最终导致静脉肿胀和扩张(静脉曲张)。
Certain things can increase your chances of developing varicose veins, such as:
有些事情会增加你患静脉曲张的几率，比如:
being female 女性
having a close family member with varicose veins 有静脉曲张的家族史
being older 年纪大
being overweight 体重超重
having a job that involves long periods of standing 长时间战立
being pregnant 怀孕
other conditions 其它原因 （from nhs.uk）
Treating varicose veins 治疗静脉曲张
If treatment is necessary, your doctor may first recommend using compression stockings, taking regular exercise and elevating the affected area when resting.
如果治疗是必要的，你的医生可能会首先建议使用压缩袜，定期锻炼，休息时抬高患处。
If your varicose veins are still causing you pain or discomfort, or they cause complications, they can be treated in several ways.
如果你的静脉曲张仍然给你带来疼痛或不适，或者引起并发症，可以用几种方法治疗。
The most common treatment options include:
最常见的治疗方案包括:
endothermal ablation – where heat is used to seal affected veins
吸热消融-用热来密封受影响的静脉
sclerotherapy – this uses special foam to close the veins
硬化疗法——使用特殊的泡沫来封闭静脉
ligation and stripping – the affected veins are surgically removed
结扎和剥离——手术切除受影响的静脉
It’s unlikely you’ll receive treatment on the NHS for cosmetic reasons – you’ll have to pay for cosmetic treatment privately.
你不太可能因为美容原因而接受静脉曲张的治疗——你必须私下支付美容治疗的费用。
If you do feel you require treatment, it might help if you print out treatment options for varicose veins to discuss with the GP.
如果你觉得你需要治疗，如果你打印出静脉曲张的治疗方案，与全科医生讨论，可能会有所帮助。
Types of varicose veins 静脉曲张类型
trunk varicose veins – these are near to the surface of the skin and are thick and knobbly; they’re often long and can look unpleasant
躯干静脉曲张——这些靠近皮肤表面，粗大而多瘤;它们通常很长，看起来很不舒服
reticular varicose veins – these are red and sometimes grouped close together in a network
网状静脉曲张-这些是红色的，有时在网络中紧密地聚集在一起
telangiectasia varicose veins – also known as thread veins or spider veins, these are small clusters of blue or red veins that sometimes appear on your face or legs; they’re harmless and, unlike trunk varicose veins, do not bulge underneath the surface of the skin
毛细血管扩张性静脉曲张——也被称为丝状静脉或蜘蛛静脉，这些是小簇的蓝色或红色静脉，有时会出现在你的脸上或腿上;它们是无害的，不像主干静脉曲张，不会在皮肤表面下隆起. （from nhs.uk）
Can varicose veins be prevented? 静脉曲张可以预防吗?
Steps to prevent varicose veins include:
预防静脉曲张的步骤包括:
Keeping a healthy weight 保持健康的体重
Exercising regularly 定期锻炼
Putting your feet up while sitting 坐着的时候把脚抬起来
Not crossing your legs while sitting 坐着的时候不要跷二郎腿
Not wearing tight clothing 不穿紧身衣服 （hopkinsmedicine.org）
