Small saphenous vein

Looks like

A surface vein starting behind the outer ankle and running up the middle of the calf to the back of the knee.

What it does

Drains the skin of the outer foot and calf into the popliteal vein.

Keeping it well

Its valves can fail, causing varicose veins at the back of the calf; treatments include laser or glue closure.

Related conditions

• Achilles tendon rupture
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Clotting disorders (thrombophilia & APS)
• Compartment syndrome
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Growing pains
• Lymphangitis
• Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)
• Lymphoedema
• Restless legs syndrome
• Superficial thrombophlebitis
• Varicose veins
• Venomous snakebite