What is venous reflux?
Normally, veins in the lower extremities carry blood to the heart against gravity. This is accomplished by one-way valves, which allow blood to flow upwards while your muscles contract. When your muscles relax, the valves snap shut preventing blood to flow in the wrong direction (towards your feet). (click for video) When the valves in your veins become faulty, blood is allowed to flow in the wrong direction (towards your feet). This puts excess pressure on the vein walls, which causes them to expand. This expansion causes the valves to be even more ineffective. (click for video) The most common veins to reflux are called saphenous veins. Visible varicose veins are typically branches coming off these veins. back to top…
