Varicose veins

Varicose veins have an expanded and deformated venous wall due to a weakness of the connective tissue, which is usually hereditary. The venous valves fail to close tightly and the blood can flow back to the ankle and foot.

This blood backflow can be the cause of typical complaints such as a feeling of heaviness and tension in the leg, swelling, tiredness and cramps in the calf. Ultimately, this retention of blood and the poorer skin circulation of the lower leg can lead to skin mutations, discoloration, spider veins and open leg wounds (venous ulcers).