The Complete Anatomy of Your Leg Vein Circulatory System

The leg vein circulatory system involves three types of veins: superficial, perforator, and deep. Every time you take a step, your leg veins spring into action, helping to return blood to your heart. Your calf muscles also play an important role, acting as pumps that improve blood flow through these veins.
Learn more about your leg vein circulatory system and factors that affect blood flow from your legs to your heart.

Anatomy of the Leg Vein Circulatory System

Your legs have a network of veins that resemble an upside-down tree. These veins, which include superficial, deep, and perforator veins, play an important role in carrying deoxygenated blood from your toes back to your heart.

Superficial veins

Superficial veins carry deoxygenated blood from the skin to deeper veins. Each leg has at least two major superficial veins: the great saphenous vein (GSV) and the small saphenous vein (SSV).

• Great saphenous vein (GSV): This is the longest vein in the body, running from the foot to the upper thigh.
• Small saphenous vein (SSV): Runs from your foot to the back of your knee.

Deep veins

Deep veins are situated within your leg muscles and along your leg bones. They receive blood from the saphenous veins and transport it to the heart. There are five deep veins in total, which include:

• Anterior tibial vein: Located at the front of the leg between the tibia and the fibula.
• Posterior tibial vein: Located on the backside of the lower leg.
• Peroneal vein: Runs alongside the fibula, collecting blood from the foot's outer side.
• Popliteal vein: Situated behind the knee, its primary job is to usher deoxygenated blood into the femoral vein.
• Femoral vein: The longest deep vein, spanning 6 to 11 mm from the knee to the groin.

Perforator veins

Perforator veins connect superficial veins, which are close to the surface, to deeper veins within the leg. There are numerous perforator veins located throughout the leg and named based on their location. Together, they ensure proper blood flow between different layers of the leg.

Venous valves

Venous valves are elastic tissue flaps inside of each vein. They allow one-way blood flow toward the heart by opening when blood moves through and closing to prevent blood from flowing backward. This design keeps blood moving in the right direction.

How Blood Flows Through the Leg Veins

Your muscles contract whenever you move your legs, creating pressure in superficial and deep leg veins. This pressure causes venous valves to open, allowing blood to flow toward the heart. When these contractions don't occur, the valves remain closed, causing blood to pool in the veins. Over time, this can damage the venous valves and distort the veins.

Common Issues in the Leg Vein Circulatory System

Various complications can occur when blood flow is obstructed in the leg veins. Most of these issues are due to blood pooling in the veins, leading to valve insufficiency.
The most common issues include:

• Varicose veins: Varicose veins are distorted and twisted superficial veins resulting from weakened vein walls.
• Venous insufficiency: Venous insufficiency occurs when damaged veins cannot move blood to the heart.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis(DVT): DVT is a blood clot in one of the legs' deep veins. It is usually caused by prolonged sitting or standing and can be life-threatening.
• Spider veins: Spider veins are caused by dilated blood vessels at the surface of the leg. These veins are noticeably dark and resemble a spider web.

Maintaining a Healthy Leg Vein Circulatory System

The flow of blood from your toes to your heart is not automated. Your leg veins require movement and healthy circulation to perform their duties.

Here are a few things you can do to facilitate a healthy leg vein circulatory system:

• Exercise regularly to improve leg circulation and contract your leg veins.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure and inflammation in your leg veins.
• Stay hydrated to ensure blood flows easily from your toes to your heart.
• Wear compression socks to promote circulation during periods of inactivity.

When to Consult a Vein Specialist

Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated are three ways to prevent leg vein issues. However, despite these preventative measures, a problem may arise.

Contact a vein specialist if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Unexplained leg swelling
• Worsening leg pain
• Achiness or weakness
• Itching or Tingling
• Skin that's warm to the touch
• Unexplained, bruising, or discoloration
• Sudden skin changes
• New visible veins

A vein specialist will visually inspect your leg and gather details about the symptoms you're experiencing. They may also perform diagnostic tests, like a Doppler ultrasound, to better understand the issue and determine the best course of treatment.

Metro Vein Centers offers a free vein health evaluation with our experienced vein specialists and accepts over 200 insurance plans for covered services.

Treatment Options for Leg Vein Disorders

Leg vein disorders are initially managed with conservative treatments. However, advanced cases may require minimally invasive or surgical interventions.

• Conservative treatments include compression therapy, lifestyle changes, and elevating the legs.
• Minimally invasive procedures include sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, microphlebectomy, and endovenous ablation treatment.
• Surgical treatments include vein ligation and valve repair.

Prevention Tips for Optimal Leg Vein Health

To prevent leg vein issues and improve your leg vein health, follow these quick and easy tips:

• Engage in regular exercise: Low-impact activities like walking and swimming promote healthy blood circulation while strengthening the calf muscles.
• Choose comfortable footwear: Your sneakers should fit snugly and offer ample cushioning to relieve pressure from the soles of your feet.
• Wear looser clothing: Tight pants can disrupt blood flow and cause leg pain and swelling. Choose loser pants for better circulation.

Embracing Leg Vein Health for Overall Well-being

Maintaining a healthy leg vein circulatory system is essential for getting deoxygenated blood back to your heart. When blood is well-oxygenated, you'll feel more energetic, think more clearly, and perform better physically. Taking care of your leg veins and seeking care from an experienced vein doctor when symptoms arise, is a smart investment in your overall health.