
CAUSES OF VARICOSE VEINS: VENOUS REFLUX
If the veins around the leg muscles are healthy, the elastic structure of the vein walls and the venous valves ensure that the blood is transported from the legs to the upper body against gravity.
If the venous valves no longer function properly or the elasticity of the vessel walls decreases, the so-called venous reflux, i.e. pooling of blood in the legs, occurs. This blood spreads to the walls of the veins and varicose veins (also called varicose veins) appear.
The consequences can be pain, swollen or heavy legs, skin changes or ulcers. If left untreated, such symptoms can worsen over time.