Ellen Butchart, age 14, of North York, Willowdale, Ontario, Canada, for her question:

WHAT CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS?

A varicose vein is a swollen vein caused by some body condition that interfers with the flow of blood toward the hert.

Veins in the legs often become varicose if a person has to stand a great deal. Other causes for varicose veins include heart and liver diseases, gout, pregnancy, abdominal tumors and the wearing of tight garters.

Doctors often recommend the wearing of elastic stockings or bandages which help to support the varicose veins with steady pressure. Doctors also sometimes inject the veins with drugs that tend to shrink them or they may remove the veins by surgery.

A disorder known as piles is varicose veins of the rectum.