Venous
reflux disease, also known as venous insufficiency, is a
medical condition affecting the circulation of blood in the
lower extremities. The tiny valves that normally force blood
back up towards the heart no longer function, causing blood
to pool up in the legs, and the veins of the legs become
distended.
Venous reflux disease
commonly produces varicose
veins, the abnormally swollen and discolored superficial
leg veins that affect more than 25 million Americans.
Varicose veins can range from small, thin purple lines just
under the skin (known as “spider
veins”) to thick, bulging veins that can protrude well
beyond the skin surface. In any form, varicose veins serve
as indicators of venous reflux, a progressive disease that
can cause significant circulatory problems as it worsens.