Understanding Leg Vein Problems
Leg veins carry blood from your feet back to your heart. If a vein is damaged, blood flow back to the heart is reduced. As a result, you may develop vein problems in your legs.
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A Damaged Vein
If heredity, an injury, or a blood clot weakens a vein, the wall near the valve begins to sag. The valve may no longer close fully, allowing blood to move backward. Most vein problems begin with damaged veins.
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A “Ropy” Vein
Once a vein is damaged, blood pressing against the sagging wall may cause the vein to bulge or twist like a rope. Eventually, the valve can’t close. Blood may begin to pool or clot in the vein.
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Pooling Blood
A valve that doesn’t close cannot hold blood. Blood moves backward. It pools around the first healthy valve that stops the blood from moving backward.
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Clotting Blood
When blood moves slowly, it may collect above a valve. Over time, the blood forms a clot, which may grow big enough to close off the vein.
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Vein problems can cause leg conditions such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, or chronic venous insufficiency. Your health care provider can give you more information.
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Publication Source:
Ferri FF, Ferri's Clinical Advisor, 1st ed., Thrombosis, Deep Vein, 2008, pp 895-896
Publication Source:
Prasad AG, Ferri's Clinical Advisor, 1st ed., Varicose Veins, 2008, pp 962
Online Medical Reviewer:
Cineas, Sybil MD
Date Last Reviewed:
1/15/2007
Date Last Modified:
7/9/2002