Lower Limb Varicose Veins

Lower limb varicose veins occur in 10% to 15% of adult males and 20% to 25% of females. As one of the most common vascular diseases, the main cause of its onset is increased pressure within the venous lumen, leading to dilatation and tortuosity of the vein wall due to decreased elasticity. Venous blood reflux and reflux obstruction can both increase intravenous pressure. The former is caused by primary venous valve insufficiency, while the latter is due to deep vein thrombosis combined with inducing factors such as prolonged standing, genetics, and increased intra-abdominal pressure, ultimately resulting in varicose veins.

The main manifestations of this condition include tortuous and dilated superficial veins in the lower limbs, raised under the skin, with the inner side of the lower leg below the knee being particularly prominent. Initially, there may be no specific discomfort, but as the condition worsens, there may be a feeling of heaviness, discomfort, easy fatigue, and weakness in the lower limbs, aggravated by prolonged standing and worsened in the afternoon. Symptoms may improve after rest or elevation of the limbs. Some patients may experience prolonged calf muscle cramps, and the skin of the lower leg may undergo trophic changes, manifested by skin atrophy, pigmentation, peeling, itching, stasis dermatitis, subcutaneous induration, and ulcer formation, with ulcers lasting a long time without healing.

Treatment of varicose veins includes non-surgical and surgical options. The former includes symptomatic treatment with drugs, wearing compression stockings, and injection sclerotherapy. The latter mainly consists of traditional great saphenous vein high ligation with stripping surgery, as well as endovenous laser, radiofrequency, electrocoagulation, and subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery.

Source: Lower Limb Varicose Veins