Deep Vein Failure

Here we see what happens when the DEEP VALVES of the deep veins in the leg fail.

In the normal situation during movement, when weight is put on the leg and the muscles contract, the blood is pumped up both deep and superficial vein systems (PUMPING).

When the leg RELAXES during the passive phase of walking (when it is swinging forwards and all the weight is on the other leg), the pumping stops and the blood starts to flow backwards down both deep and superficial vein systems as before. This is caused by gravity.

In the superficial vein system, where the valves are still working, this back-flow of blood causes the valves to snap shut, stopping the blood from falling back down the leg veins.

BUT if the valves are not working in the deep vein system, they are unable to snap shut. Therefore the blood rushes back down the deep veins in the leg.

This blood HITS the vein wall and the lower down the leg the harder the wall is hit, as well as the smaller veins that usually feed into the main veins. This trauma to the vein wall causes INFLAMMATION of the vein and tissues surrounding the DEEP veins (shown in the illustration).

If you, or someone you know, are concerned about a leg ulcer or a condition that may lead to leg ulcers then please contact us for more information, or to book an appointment to see one our specialists.