Many of us don’t give much thought to the complicated, intertwined series of veins in our legs unless we start experiencing discomfort or notice unusual changes. However, the great saphenous vein, which runs from the foot to the upper thigh, plays a critical role in our circulatory system. As the longest vein in the body, it’s fundamental in helping to return blood from the legs back to the heart.
Understanding the great saphenous vein is key to spotting early signs of vein issues and preventing serious complications. Keep reading to explore how this vital vein supports healthy circulation and learn how Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) experts can empower patients to take control of their leg health and seek expert care.
Everyone has two saphenous veins in each leg, and both help carry oxygen-poor blood from the feet and legs up to the heart for recirculation. The great saphenous vein runs from the top of the foot up to the groin area, and the small saphenous vein runs from the foot and stops near the back of the knee. This makes the great saphenous vein the longest vein in the body.
Both saphenous veins in each leg are superficial, meaning they’re closer to the surface of the skin than deep veins. The great saphenous vein travels along the inner surface of the leg while receiving blood from smaller vessels in the feet and legs. It ends in the upper thigh and empties into a deep vein called the femoral vein.
Did you know? According to Verywell Health, the saphenous vein is an effective option for bypass grafts during heart bypass surgeries, which require surgeons to create a new path for blood to flow around a blocked coronary artery. The medical uses of the saphenous vein are still being researched.
The great saphenous vein’s walls can be broken down into three layers of tissue:
Both saphenous veins have a variety of one-way valves meant to keep blood from pooling in the legs or flowing in the wrong direction. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the specific number of valves varies, but most people have between 10 and 12 in each of their great saphenous veins. These valves, when coupled with compression from surrounding muscles, pump blood toward the heart and against gravity.
Like any other vein in the body, the great saphenous vein is vulnerable to several different forms of vein disease, such as chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when its one-way valves can no longer function properly. As a result, blood pools in the legs instead of flowing up to the heart. Meanwhile, the great saphenous vein can become varicose, which means it may take on a swollen or bulging appearance due to chronic venous insufficiency.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the great saphenous vein is more likely to be impacted by superficial thrombophlebitis—a blood clot that forms in a superficial vein—than its smaller counterpart.
How do you know when you might have trouble with your great saphenous vein or another leg vein? Common symptoms include:
While these signs alone may not indicate a problem with the great saphenous vein specifically, they’re a good reason to seek professional guidance from a vein care expert who can make a proper diagnosis, set you up with a series of minimally invasive therapy options, and walk you through each step of your preferred treatment.
You’ve noticed the uncomfortable symptoms, contacted a vein care expert, and received a diagnosis. Now what?
Treating the great saphenous vein will largely depend on the type and severity of your condition, and some of the therapy options available overlap with those offered for other damaged veins. These treatments include:
This involves putting a thin fiber through the skin and into the vein, closing it with a heat reaction, and causing it to be reabsorbed into the body so that blood can be rerouted to healthier veins.
In this procedure, a thin catheter is inserted into the vein, where it emits radio waves that heat specific areas and cause it to collapse. The catheter is removed as the vein gets reabsorbed, and the blood supply is naturally rerouted to nearby, healthier veins. Radiofrequency ablation is considered an innovative alternative to outdated vein-stripping procedures performed in the past and was once the standard of care.
While endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation are often considered the most effective for treating saphenous vein problems, sclerotherapy may sometimes be used in conjunction with these methods to address smaller varicose or spider veins in the surrounding areas. It works by injecting a solution (called a sclerosant) into the vein, causing it to collapse and be reabsorbed into the body.
Are you still concerned about keeping your veins healthy? Don’t worry—in addition to the state-of-the-art treatments described above, there are several ways to prioritize your venous health from the comfort of your own home, such as:
Medical-grade compression stockings are designed to put pressure on the legs and relieve discomfort. They can be purchased over the counter or measured by a CVR physician and specially ordered to ensure a perfect fit.
Staying aware of how your legs are positioned throughout the day can help keep your veins healthy. Make sure to avoid standing for long periods of time—the weight and gravity put extra pressure on your legs and contribute to the weakening of the valves responsible for pushing blood back toward the heart.
Developing and sticking to a fitness routine benefits nearly every aspect of your overall health, including your veins. Not only does physical activity boost circulation, but losing extra weight reduces pressure on the leg veins, improving blood flow in two ways.
The great saphenous vein plays a major role in the body’s circulatory system. Understanding how it works, troublesome symptoms, and which treatments are effective can help you take charge of your venous health and put your well-being above all else—you deserve it!
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable legs. Your well-being is our priority!
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