What is the difference between poor lymphatic flow and varicose veins?

Lymph vs Blood: Lymph and blood flow from your limbs to your heart in different vessels. Lymph flows in tiny vessels that can be damaged (surgery, radiation, inflammation) causing lymph to build up in tissues and swelling. Blood flows through veins which are larger and thicker. Valves keep blood from going the wrong way. When the valves don't work, blood pools and distends the veins causing varicose veins.

Different systems: Veins carry blood to the heart; arteries carry blood away from the heart; lymph glands carry lymphatic drainage throughout our bodies. Lymphedema is defined as an increase in interstitial volume and swelling due to failure of lymphatic drainage in the setting of normal capillary filtration. Vein disease is called venous insufficiency or reflux and can cause swelling. Lymphedema can cause swelling.

Can be related: Although they are different systems of carrying fluid in the body, they both can cause swelling, as dr. Morrison said. Very commonly, veins and lymphatic channels travel side by side and have an intimate association with each other. As a result, venous injury will often be associated with lymphatic injury and swelling from veins will usually have a component of lymphatic swelling with it.

Lymph/veins: The lymphatic system is completely separate from the venous system. Veins take blood back to the heart and lymphatics take lymph from all parts of the body back into the venous circulation. Lymph is a clear, colorless fluid and can increase due to inflammation or obstruction. Both veins and lymph can cause edema and both can lead to swollen legs.