NORMAL CIRCULATION AND VARICOSE VEINS

Blood is carried away from the heart by arteries and is returned to the heart by veins. There are two networks of veins in the legs, which return blood to the heart. The deep veins in the legs carry 90% of the blood to the heart. These veins do not become varicose because the muscle layers, which surround them, protect the walls of these veins. The surface or superficial veins carry 10% of the blood returning to the heart. The surface veins are the only veins, which can become varicose. Varicose veins, or varices, are enlarged, visible surface veins, which are located directly beneath the skin. These varicose veins are no longer able to function properly and other normal veins have taken over for them.

Varicose veins are a hindrance to the circulation. Treatment of varicose veins aims at improving the circulation.

LEG PAIN AND VARICOSE VEINS

Varicose veins are the leading cause of leg pain in an otherwise healthy adult population. Varicose veins are more painful while they are forming because the walls of these veins are stretching. The pain can often be a burning sensation. The pain can subside for several years once the walls of the veins have stretched beyond their elasticity. At this time, heaviness rather than pain can be felt. Female hormones have an effect on varicose veins resulting in some women experiencing greater pain before and during menstruation and during pregnancy. Other forms of discomfort experienced with varicose veins can be night cramps, "restless legs", which cause the individual to shift leg positions frequently, and pain while standing or walking.

SPIDER VEINS (TELANGIECTASIAS)

Spider veins are tiny, thread-like purplish-blue or red veins seen close to the surface of the skin. Spider veins are usually the result of larger underlying veins, are generally painless and do not lead to medical complications.

RETICULAR VEINS

Reticular veins are turquoise-blue veins seen through the skin in areas of stretch (knees, etc.). When they become varicose they can cause sharp pains which can be pinpointed on the legs. Reticular veins cannot lead to medical complications.

COLLATERAL VEINS

Collateral veins are large veins. When they become varicose they can pool a large volume of blood. They are often the cause of heaviness in the legs. Collateral (or truncular) varices lead, in time, to medical complications.

CAUSES OF VARICOSE VEINS

Heredity: 90% of varices are inherited from direct relatives.

Acquired: 10% of varicose veins are caused by an injury, an inflammation or from a deep venous thrombosis (blood clot).

Other causes: Other factors which can indirectly induce the formation of varicose veins are obesity, pregnancy, old age, excessive heat including prolonged exposure to the sun, prolonged standing, constricting clothing and girdles, and disorder of the lower limbs and feet. These factors should be controlled to prevent varicose formation.