Varicose Veins
How do varicose veins form?
The essential defect is a weakness in the valve or wall of the vein. This allows blood to flow in the wrong
direction. Veins usually carry blood from the limb back to the heart, against gravity. This is managed by a one way valve system that prevents blood flowing backwards. If the valves are defective, malfunction or weak, then there is backward flow (reflux, incompetence, reverse flow) resulting in the formation of varicose veins.
Symptoms
- Ache
- Congestion
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Itch and dermatitis (pruritus)
- Easy bruising
- Inflammation and pain
- Damage to the tissue and skin with eczema
- Ulceration
- Bleeding
- Thrombosis (blood clot in superficial or deep veins)
