Varicose Veins

Introduction

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs and feet.

  • They may be blue or dark purple, and often lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance.

Varicose Veins



Symptoms

For many patients, varicose veins may remain asymptomatic indefinitely, and hence simply a cosmetic concern. If symptoms present, it may consist of

  • Localized pain, burning, itching and/or tingling at site of varicose veins.
  • General achiness, heaviness, tiredness, cramping, throbbing, restlessness, and/or swelling in leg.

Sometimes, varicose veins may progress to a more advanced form of chronic venous dysfunction such as venous ulcer.

If left untreated, possible complications of varicose veins, although rare, can include thrombophlebitis, bleeding and ulceration.



Risk Factors

  • Advanced age
  • Family history
  • Pregnancy
  • A prolonged upright or standing position (as with occupational demands)



Management

Compression therapy using moderate pressure (20-30 mm Hg) is effective for symptom management of superficial venous disease, but does not correct source of reflux.

  • It can also be considered for patients with symptomatic varicose veins.

For symptomatic varicose veins patients with a correctable cause, offer definitive treatment (for example, endovenous thermal ablation or open surgery for valve and vein incompetence) unless contraindicated or unwanted.

Nonprescription venoactive medications (also called phlebotonics) might reduce symptoms (such as oedema, restless legs, paraesthesia and cramps) of chronic insufficiency.

  • Horse chestnut seed extract and ruscus extracts
  • Micronized purified flavonoid fraction - combination of diosmin and hesperidin
  • Grape seed extract
  • Calcium debosilate



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