Varicose Veins
The most common type of vascular lesion is the condition known as varicose leg veins. Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels (usually greater than 1 mm in diameter) that often bulge and appear “ropey” or entwined. They occur when the wall of the vein weakens or collapses. When near-surface veins are subjected to high pressure, they dilate and elongate, which causes them to develop the purple-blue color associated with varicose veins. The affected veins do not function properly and cause blood to flow back into the leg causing symptoms such as pain, throbbing, aching, tiredness, heaviness, cramps, burning, itching, restless legs, and swelling. Varicose veins can also cause blood clots, thrombophlebitis, pigmentation, and eczema and if left untreated, lead to more serious conditions such as bleeding veins and leg ulcers. Varicose veins develop gradually and progressively and tend to increase as people age.