what is reflux in leg veins
This dilation of the vein may cause pain, cause the legs to swell, ache, feel tired, heavy or full. Reflux of blood into the leg vein branches near the skin can also cause visible changes to the legs including spider veins, varicose veins, thickening and discoloration of the skin, and ulcers. Any impairment of blood flow back to the heart is referred to as venous reflux or venous insufficiency. Occasionally blockage of leg veins, due to blood clots or scarring, may alter normal blood flow. Reflux of the superficial veins is the most common form of venous disease. In superficial venous insufficiency, the deep veins are usually normal. Blood from the deep veins may escape through refluxing perforator veins into the dilated superficial veins causing increased venous pressure in the superficial veins. Changes in the legs due to venous reflux (varicose veins, spider veins, ulcers, pain, aching, etc) are typically caused by larger refluxing veins below the skin that may not be visible without specialized equipment.