Varicose Veins

What are Varicose Veins?

The veins carry blood uphill from the foot back towards the heart.

There are two sets of veins in the leg, the deep veins, which are buried deep inside the muscles and cannot be seen, and the superficial veins that are near the surface.

Both sets of veins have one-way valves in them to help blood flow uphill but prevent it coming back down again.

When the valves in the superficial veins don't work pressure builds up in these veins and the veins become dilated and wiggly under the skin.

This is the cause of varicose veins. Varicose veins are very common and often tend to run in families.

What problems can Varicose Veins cause?

Many people dislike the appearance of varicose veins and find them ugly. They can also ache particularly when people have been on their feet for long periods of time.

They may also cause eczema and occasionally skin discolouration and brownish pigmentation around the ankles, which can lead to ulceration.

However, most varicose veins do not cause leg ulcers.

Are Varicose Veins dangerous?

No.