Varices

varises

Varices: (varicose veins) are distended tortuous veins. Superficial varicose veins are easily visible or palpable, and follow a tortuous course through the subcutaneous fatty tissue (usually) of the legs. Varicosities of the deep venous system can only be seen on ultrasound or phlebography. As a result of the distension of the veins, the valves can no longer close properly; this is called valve insufficiency. The hydrostatic pressure exerted on the vessels in the lower part of the body is considerably increased. The “transmural” pressure, i.e. the difference between the pressure in the venous system and the surrounding tissues causes more water and dissolved substances to leak through the venous wall where it accumulates in the tissue, mostly of the leg (oedema).

Varicose veins: in the legs are more than just an annoying cosmetic blemish: they signal a susceptibility to venous disorders and they may even indicate a venous disease. However, varicose veins are not painful, neither do they cause cramps – the German word for varicose veins, ‘Krampfadern’, literally translates into English as cramp veins or, more precisely, cramp arteries. However, Krampf (cramp in English) actually stems from the old standard German word, "chrampo", which simply means “bent”. Varicose veins, also called varicosities, are saccular and distended veins which can expand considerably and may cause painful venous inflammation. They never disappear on their own once they have developed. The formation of varicose veins is an externally visible sign of venous weakness.

Varicosis: is the term for extensive varicose veins and the typical associated symptoms. Varicose veins are often – but not always – connected with the typical symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose veins can develop in a number of ways: so-called primary varices are caused in people with congenital connective tissue weakness who frequently stand or sit for a considerable length of time, by a lack of exercise and during pregnancy. In contrast, so-called secondary varices are the result of pathological events in the deeper veins, usually a thrombosis.

Vein Sclerosis: form of treatment in which a medicament (sclerosant) is injected into the vein to permanently close and eliminate the varicose veins and spider veins.