An Introduction to Vein Conditions
Varicose veins is a common condition and about two thirds of the
population suffer from some form or other, from small spider
veins to large bulging veins. Though hereditary factors are a
common cause, prolonged standing especially at work, obesity,
hormonal medications and pregnancy may exacerbate the
condition.
There are two sets of veins in the leg, the ‘Superficial veins’ that
lie just beneath the skin and the ‘Deep veins’ that lie deep
beneath the leg muscles. The normal function of veins is to carry
the blood from the leg back to the heart. While walking, the
muscles in the leg pump the blood back to the heart by
squeezing the deep veins. Both sets of these veins have one-
way valves to help the blood flow towards the heart against
gravity.
Varicose veins arise from the superficial veins when weakness of
the vein wall causes the valves to stretch and not close properly.
These veins and their branches then become enlarged and
twisted ‘rope like’ due to the backpressure and appear close to
the skin as ‘lumpy’ varicose veins. Smaller veins appear in the
skin as spider veins and appear in various colours & shapes
depending upon its size.
Once formed, the veins do not go away but you can avoid
problems and worsening of your condition by following simple
vein health measures.
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