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VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Veins 101


 
The veins of the lower extremities serve two basic functions. They are a reservoir to hold extra blood and they act as a conduit to return blood from the periphery to the heart and lungs. There are three pathways of veins in the legs - a superficial system, a deep system which runs in the muscles, and communicating veins which connect the superficial veins with the deep veins. Veins are passive, thin-walled distensible vessels composed of a single layer of tissue. Correct functioning depends on a complex system of valves. These valves when, functioning normally, prevent the reflux of blood from the deep veins into the superficial system.

Venous disorders develop when venous return is impaired for any reason. They can occur in any of the three systems or in combination. Superficial venous incompetence is the most common form of venous disease and affects up to 25% of women, and 10% of all men. Venous insufficiency is characterized by the development of varicose veins of the leg. The cause of varicose veins is inefficient, faulty vein valves. This causes blood to leak back and pool in the vein. Because of this, blood flow from the legs back to the heart is diminished, making these veins a burden to your circulation. These varices can cause significant discomfort and are usually cosmetically displeasing. Symptoms typically include sharp or dull pain, leg fatigue, night cramps and heaviness or leg restlessness. If untreated, many patients will develop leg swelling, skin changes, and eventually ulceration.