What Is Varicose Vein Disease?
Varicose vein disease is caused by thick, bulging veins close to the skin’s surface. They form because they have poorly functioning valves and damaged muscle surrounding them, making the valves in varicose veins loose. As a result, blood reverses direction and tends to collect in the vein. This collection of blood increases the pressure within the vein, forcing fluid out of the vein and into skin of the lower extremity.
Increasing the pressure in the veins are abnormalities in the vein wall musculature. These abnormalities lead to poor vein contraction, leading to further increases in venous pressure. The end result of this increased pressure is fluid in the legs, which causes heaviness, a constant dull ache, leg fatigue, cramps, and itchiness. If the pressure becomes too great, blood leaks into the skin causing the skin to turn brownish-black or deep purple.
Varicose veins disease includes:
- Enlarged veins that may be blue, green or flesh-colored.
- Usually on the legs, causes bulging of the skin and looks like twisted, bulging cords.
- Not simply a cosmetic issue because, if left untreated, the problems can progress to a more serious form of venous disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
To learn more about what varicose vein disease treatments exist, or to find out if you have varicose vein problems, book a free screening. Call us at 1-855-VEIN-911 or contact us now!
