What Is Venous Reflux Disease?
Venous reflux disease is a condition that causes blood flow problems in the legs. It affects almost 25 million Americans and is most common in women and older adults.
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The Facts
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The heart pumps blood to the rest of the body and the muscles pump it back. Tiny valves in the veins act as one-way gates that keep the blood flow from reversing on its return to the heart.
Cause
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Venous reflux disease occurs when the valves in the veins stop functioning or become damaged. Blood pools in the legs and creates large, swollen veins--called varicose veins--on the skin's surface. Reflux most often involves the leg's saphenous vein, the large vein that runs from the foot to the groin.
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Effects
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Varicose veins can appear anywhere on the leg and may cause swelling, itching and a heavy sensation.
Potential
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Other symptoms of venous reflux disease could include skin ulcers, burning skin, pain and weakness in the legs.
Treatment
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Wearing special stockings, called compression stockings, is the easiest form of treatment. These stockings gently squeeze the legs and help the muscles pump blood. Surgery can also treat venous reflux disease if compression stockings are ineffective.
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