What are Vein Valves?

In healthy veins, the valves close after the blood flows towards the heart, preventing backflow.
When veins become dilated, the valves cannot close properly, allowing blood to flow back towards the ankle.

Vein valves play a critical role in helping blood flow through the veins back to the heart. Like swinging doors, valves open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and flap closed again to prevent the flow of blood back down the legs. If the veins become dilated, the flap-like valves cannot completely close, making them incapable of preventing the backflow of blood. This ‘back flow’ of blood through dysfunctional valves is called venous reflux or venous insufficiency.