Vein Disorders
Understanding varicose veins and the conditions we treat
Understanding Superficial Venous Reflux
There are two types of blood vessel: arteries and veins. Arteries carry blood from the heart; veins carry it back. In your legs there are two systems of veins — a superficial system and a deep system.
The two communicate via "perforator veins". Blood normally flows from the superficial system to the deep system, then is pumped back to your heart using your leg muscles. The direction of flow is maintained by valves in your legs.
In varicose veins, these valves are damaged, allowing blood to flow backwards and pool in the legs — distending the veins. This is venous reflux disease.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins occur when the superficial veins widen and lengthen, causing them to twist. They are a very common condition and usually do not cause serious medical problems, though pain, discomfort and itching are common complaints.
Cosmetically they are unattractive, and the raised pressure can cause collections of small "spider" veins to appear in the skin. While spider veins are not usually symptomatic, they can cause itching or burning sensations, and tend to look like areas of bruising.
What causes Varicose Veins?
Most varicose veins and spider veins run in families and have a genetic basis. Women are more likely to be affected, with up to 50% suffering from the condition. Hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills and HRT all influence the disease.
Pregnancy is a particularly common trigger. Increased hormone levels and blood volume cause veins to enlarge, and the enlarged uterus places additional pressure on them. Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within three months after delivery, though with successive pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to remain.
Other predisposing factors include ageing, standing for long periods of time, obesity and leg injury.
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