What are Vein Disorders?
Veins are the blood vessels
that transport blood back to the heart. There are several types
of vein disorders. The most common of which are Varicose veins,
Spider veins and Deep vein thrombosis.
The major components of the vein wall are smooth muscle, collagen and
elastin. A vein disorder refers to a condition in which part of
the vein wall is damaged and in wrong proportions.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are very swollen and raised above the surface of the
skin. They are dark purple or blue in color. They are found most often
on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg, anywhere from
the groin to the ankle. The veins in the legs carry the greatest
burden by fighting gravity and carring blood back up to the
heart. If you are overweight then you are at a higher risk of
developing varicose veins.
Varicose veins are a condition that can occur when the vein experiences
more pressure then it can handle, resulting the inability to push all
of the blood back up to the heart. As a result the blood can
actually flow backwards causing the blood to pool which results in the
vein growing even wider. Usually, there are no symptoms except
for the veins being very large and noticeable.
Spider Veins
Many people with varicose veins also have spider veins, which are,
despite the name, enlarged capillaries, not veins. Capillaries are tiny
blood vessels that connect the arteries and veins. Just like varicose
veins, spider veins also appear purple in color.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
This is a blood clot in the vein and is most often found in the calf
muscle or the veins in the leg. This condition is fairly common
and can be attributed to inactivity. When a person is inactive,
the leg muscles do not contract and squeeze blood vessels forcefully
enough to propel blood to the heart. Blood then pools in the leg veins,
where it can clot easily. Occasionally, one or more of these
clots then can break loose and travel back up to the heart. This
can lead to a number of other complications. If you are
experiencing any pain, redness or swelling in the calves or thigh -
then pay a special visit to your primary care physician for additional
testing.