Vein Disease

Arteries deliver blood to bodily tissues, while veins transport blood back to the heart using one-way valves. Varicose veins occur when the valves in your veins malfunction. There are several reasons this occurs. Pregnancy, genetic predisposition and age are all reaons for these valves to become incompetent. Once this occurs blood pools in the legs due to gravity and the veins become distended due to the increased pressure and filling. These dilated veins can compromise the nutrition of the skin and lead to eczema, inflammation or even ulceration of the lower leg. Fluid can leak out and cause painful or uncomfortable swelling. Dilated veins can bleed, be painful or irritated from normal activities.

In less severe cases a person may develop smaller surface veins known as spider veins or slightly larger telangectasias which may also be painful or can be a source of bleeding