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Varicose veins are veins that have become dilated, elongated and tortuous. This term commonly refers to the veins in the leg, although varicose veins occur elsewhere. Veins have leaflet valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards (retrograde). Leg muscles pump the veins to return blood to the heart. When veins become enlarged, the leaflets of the valves no longer meet properly, and the valves don't work. The blood collects in the veins and they enlarge even more.
"Varicose Veins Image." 16 May 2007. HowStuffWorks.com 14 September 2008.
Varicose veins are common in the superficial veins of the legs, which are subject to high pressure when standing. Besides cosmetic problems, varicose veins are often painful, especially when standing or walking. They often itch, and scratching them can cause ulcers. Serious complications are rare. Non-surgical treatments include elastic stockings, elevating the legs, and exercise. The traditional surgical treatment has been vein stripping to remove the affected veins. Newer, less invasive treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser treatment are replacing traditional surgical treatments. Because most of the blood in the legs is returned by the deep veins, the superficial veins, which return only about 10 per cent of the total blood of the legs, can usually be removed or ablated without serious harm.
Terry Lee Adams, M.D., FACS
TENNESSEE SURGICAL SPECIALISTS, P.C.
10810 Parkside Drive, Suite 305
865.218-7470 FAX 865.218-7471
(C) 2008, 2009 Tennessee Surgical Specialists, P.C., All rights reserved.