Answer
Maureen is suffering from what is usually called venous veins. This is a malady in which blood pools in the veins of the lower leg because the valves of those veins are damaged and are unable to keep the blood from being pulled downward in the veins under the effect of gravity. Ordinarily, if the valves are competent, when venous blood is pushed towards the heart by contraction of skeletal muscles-- and other body structures- the one-way venous valves keep the blood from flowing backward, so in stages, the blood finally gets back to the venae cavae and ultimately the heart. If the venous valves are incompetent, then under the pull of gravity blood tends to leak downward and accumulate in the lower leg veins.
The increased volume of blood under the pull of gravity increases the hydrostatic pressure of the blood and fluid is pushed out ( filters) into the interstitial spaces (ISS). The increase in the volume of interstitial fluid causes swelling of the affected limb which is experienced as heaviness, discomfort and pain. Later skin thinning and ulceration may develop --in spots.
The risks of developing varicose veins increases with age and body weight. There are also occupational hazards. Workers who have to stand for hours on hard surfaces ( e.g. concrete, or paved asphalt roads) have increased risks of developing venous varicosity.
For relief, Maureen should elevate her legs as much as possible during the day. Gentle massage of the superficial veins should offer temporary relief. To apply pressure to the veins while she is walking or standing ,the use of compression stockings , like Teds support hose should be worn
Physicians use several treatment modalities to deal with varicose veins. The following are some of the common methods: sclerotherapy, radiofrequency endovenous occlusion,
laser occlusion, and surgical stripping
Work Step by Step
In scerotherapy, an irritant is injected into the veins ; this causes inflammation and scarring . The result is blockage or severe narrowing of the scarred vessel. Either because entry is denied or it is harder to enter the narrowed vessels ,the blood finds alternate alternative routes--in healthy veins. Laser treatment is used mainly for smaller varicose veins, which may be more unsightly than painful.
In venous stripping the patient is usually put under general anesthesia and the offending large vein often the saphenous vein, which has many valves-- is removed trough an incision in the skin.
