Common leg issues

Healthy leg vein function

Leg vein disorders - varicose veins

Muscles

Valves

Veins

Arteries

How do leg vein problems develop

Common leg issues occur as a result of excessive pooling of the blood in the leg veins and a build up of fluid inside the tissues. The most common vein disorder is varicose veins. The word "varicose" means "swollen" and characterises the most common form of the superficial veins. These "varicose veins" are the result of the dilation and bulging of a normal vein in the superficial venous system.

Whether a varicose vein develops because of defective venous valves which do not close properly, or whether it is caused by increased brittleness and permeability of the capillaries resulting in disturbed blood circulation, is still unclear. One thing is certain: the vein is not functioning correctly and the blood, following the law of gravity, is able to sink down in the legs so that the vein walls expand more and more.

When standing, the muscle pump is not activated, which makes it difficult for blood to be transported back to the heart, resulting in blood collecting in the leg veins. When sitting, the veins are bent in the knee and pelvic region and the flow of blood back to the heart is hampered. This can result in swollen, heavy, tired and achy legs. It can also lead to (nocturnal) calf cramps and/or tingling in the legs or to visible symptoms such as varicose veins, thread veins or swollen knees and ankles.

Read about steps to healthy legs and treatment options here.