Varicose veins

Varicose veins are abnormal swellings in veins near the surface of the legs.

Cause of varicose veins

The heart pumps blood through the arteries to all parts of the body. The blood then flows back to the heart through the veins. The veins in the legs have small valves to ensure that the blood does not flow downwards, but is forced upwards towards the heart.

When, due to circumstances like sitting or standing for long periods, the blood from the legs no longer flows back to the heart as well, more blood ends up in the veins. This causes congestion and as a result the pressure in the veins increases, which become wider, and as a result the veins no longer close properly.

When the closing of the veins does not work properly, this means that blood can no longer flow upwards as it should, which causes a further accumulation of blood, leading to further enlargement of the veins. In this way varicose veins gradually develop.

Symptoms and complications

The symptoms caused by varicose veins may include a tired, languid, heavy or restless feeling in the legs.

Possible complications include:

  • Bleeding
  • Clotting
  • Phlebitis
  • Brown skin discolouration
  • Non-healing leg ulcers

Possible treatments

 

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