This page is designed to give a very brief overview of veins and how they become varicose. As well as a brief discussion of the treatment options.

Veins: What are they and what do they do?

Veins return blood to the heart. In the lower limb they achieve this through two main venous systems, the deep system and the superficial system. The Deep System is a high pressure system within the muscle and fascial envelope of the leg. The Superficial System is a lower pressure system, closer to the surface of the leg and just beneath the skin and its supporting structures. These two systems connect to each other at the groin, behind the knee and via perforating veins throughout the leg.  Valves within the veins ensure flow within the leg back to the heart and protect the superficial system from the high pressures in the deep system. 

Varicose veins: How do they become varicose and why is this a problem

When the valves fail, particularly at the connection between the two systems this leads to increased pressure in the superficial system. The increased pressure causes the vein to dilate and become varicose. In the groin this happens at the sapheno-femoral junction and behind the knee at the sapheno-popliteal junction. The increased pressure in the superficial veins is transmitted to the leg producing symptoms of pain, swelling and discomfort. Over time the pressure changes in the leg lead to skin changes known as varicose eczema which may eventually lead to ulceration. 

Varicose veins: What treatments are available?

This is covered in more depth on the next page. It's however important to realise there are a number of treatment options available. The best treatment for you should be decided following discussion with your consultant. Be aware that not all treatments offer the same results and although some treatments may appear cheaper and easier at first glance this is may not be the case.