| About Vein Disease Vein disease occurs when veins have trouble carrying blood from your body back to your heart. Increased pressure in the veins, such as that caused by prolonged standing, pregnancy, and blood clots, is the usual cause of vein diseases, such as varicose veins. Varicose veins may also be hereditary. You are at higher than average risk if your mother or grandmother -- or even someone on your father's side -- suffers from serious vein problems. And, due to pregnancy women are more often affected than men. Understanding Superficial Venous Reflux Your legs are made up of a network of veins. Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close to assist the return of blood back to the heart. Venous reflux disease develops when the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart become damaged or diseased. This can cause blood to pool in your legs and lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, swollen limbs, leg heaviness and fatigue, skin changes and skin ulcers, and varicose veins. Venous System Anatomy The veins in the lower limbs are classified into two systems:
The two systems are connected by perforating veins that pass through the deep fascia at mid-thigh, knee and ankle. The diagram shows the veins of the superficial system in blue and pink and the deep system in gray. The great saphenous vein is highlighted in pink. |
Disclaimer: Information on this website and its pages is for informational purposes only. This information should not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific treatment plan, product, or course of action. This website does not provide specific medical advice, and the Vein Clinic of Monterey Bay and Surgical Associates of Monterey Bay and its health care providers are not engaged in providing medical services via this website. Visiting this website does not create a doctor-patient relationship between our doctors and website visitors, nor does it replace medical consultations with qualified medical professionals. Although this website is frequently updated, some information may be out of date. If you suspect you are ill, see a professional healthcare provider. |
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| (831) 479-VEIN |