Originally published August 15, 2023. From our educational archive. Treatment decisions and recovery instructions should be discussed with your own clinician.
Circulation in the legs can improve with vein closing procedures, rather than worsening circulation.
This may seem contradictory, but understanding the way the vein system works in the legs can help to clarify this rationale. Veins are found through the legs and can be found deep within the legs and superficial in the soft tissue.
Superficial vs Deep Vein Circulation Flow
Both superficial and deep veins help to move blood from the legs back to the heart, but most of the blood is returned to the heart via the deep vein system and only a small portion through the superficial veins.
Veins are collapsible vessels that contain a series of valves that keep the blood flowing in the proper direction, toward the heart.
Since veins do not contain any muscle to help move blood, they rely on the muscles of the legs to contract to pump blood through the veins.
About Vein Circulation
How to Vein Circulation Issues Form & The Symptoms
Valves can begin to malfunction, causing blood to accumulate in the veins, increasing vein pressure with the eventual development of varicose veins and/or spider veins, both of which can be seen on the skin surface and are a part of the superficial veins.
Spider veins and varicose veins can cause problems with swelling, cramping, fatigue and concern for cosmesis, which leads many to look for permanent treatment options.
Treatments to Improve Vein Circulation
There are several procedures available that treat spider veins and varicose veins by closing off these veins. Despite these veins being closed, there are still numerous other superficial veins that can drain the blood and most of the blood is removed from the leg by the deep vein system.
This is why deep veins are not treated with vein closing procedures. With the problematic veins closed off, blood can flow more easily through other veins, contributing to the overall improved circulation in the legs.
Dr. Mackay: Your Vein Specialist
Want to learn more about vein circulation? Book a consultation with Dr. Mackay.
