Let's start with some facts to show the remarkable achievements that our cardiovascular system performs.
It is in the capillaries where the arteries and veins connect and oxygen is exchanged. Then, the deoxygenated blood (CO2) is carried back to the heart and lungs through the venous system.
Circulating blood through the veins toward the heart can be a challenge. Gravity forces veins to work harder to return blood to the heart.
The calf muscle (or “second heart”) aids this movement by contracting and relaxing as aperson walks by providing pressure on the veins which forces valves to open and close, thus moving blood upward.
In a normal vein, one-way valves are located every 2-5 cm to aid in the proximal flow toward the heart. When calf muscles relax, the valves close to prevent blood from flowing backward into the lower part of the veins. These valves are fragile and can be easily damaged.
Poor circulation or compromised veins can cause blood to back up or “pool” and collect in the veins. This irregularity (also known as incompetency) in blood flow can lead to swelling, varicose veins or, if left untreated, more serious vascular disorders.The Venous System
Let’s take a closer look at the venous system of the legs. The venous system contains most of the blood as it moves through the circulatory system. The venous system is comprised of the deep venous system, superficial veins and perforator veins. The deep venous system carries 90% of the venous blood volume and is the high pressure system of the venous circulation in the legs.
The deep venous system is protected by muscle and fascia (strong connective tissue providing structural support and protection). The superficial system carries the balance of the blood volume (10%) and is the low pressure system.
The superficial veins are more prone to damage because they are not protected by a strong muscle sheath. Perforators penetrate the muscle throughout various parts of the body, connecting the superficial veins with the deep venous system veins.
Venous Disease is progressive. If left undiagnosed and untreated, minimal symptoms may result in a more serious condition. Symptoms range from an achy, heavy feeling and pain in the leg to edema (swelling), discoloration, skin changes and ultimately to a skin ulcer.
Compression Therapy
Compression Therapy is often used in therapeutic management and is defined as the application of controlled, graduated external pressure to the limb to reduce venous pressure within the limb.
It is important that the compression be graduated and that the strongest compression is at the
ankle, decreasing in the proximal (toward the heart) direction.
Note: Only your physician will be able to assess your condition and prescribe the most effective treatment.
| 
|