Varicose veins are bulged, rope-like veins caused by blood pooling instead of flowing upward properly. There are several types, including trunk veins which are thick, long, and visible, and reticular veins which are red and clustered. Risk factors include age, genetics, obesity, prolonged standing or walking, and female sex. Prevention methods include exercise, weight loss, elevating legs, compression stockings, and minimally invasive procedures like sclerotherapy, laser ablation, and phlebectomy can treat varicose veins. Treatments are minimally invasive and patients can return to normal activities quickly with little pain.