Varicose veins, also known as varicoses, are a medical condition in which superficial veins become enlarged and twisted. These veins typically develop in the legs, just under the skin. Varicose veins usually cause few symptoms. However, some individuals may experience fatigue or pain in the area. Complications can include bleeding or superficial thrombophlebitis. Varices in the scrotum are known as a varicocele, while those around the anus are known as hemorrhoids. Due to the various physical, social, and psychological effects of varicose veins, they can negatively affect ones quality of life.Varicose veins have no specific cause. Risk factors include obesity, lack of exercise, leg trauma, and family history of the condition. They also develop more commonly during pregnancy. Occasionally they result from chronic venous insufficiency. Underlying causes include weak or damaged valves in the veins. They are typically diagnosed by examination, including observation by ultrasound.By contrast, spider veins affect the capillaries and are smaller.Treatment may involve lifestyle changes or medical procedures with the goal of improving symptoms and appearance. Lifestyle changes may include wearing compression stockings, exercising, elevating the legs, and weight loss. Possible medical procedures include sclerotherapy, laser surgery, and vein stripping. Reoccurrence is common following treatment.Varicose veins are very common, affecting about 30% of people at some time in their lives. They become more common with age. Women develop varicose veins about twice as often as men. Varicose veins have been described throughout history and have been treated with surgery since at least A.D. 400.
Signs and symptoms
Aching, heavy legs
Appearance of spider veins (telangiectasia) in the affected leg
Ankle swelling
A brownish-yellow shiny skin discoloration near the affected veins
Redness, dryness, and itchiness of areas of skin, termed stasis dermatitis or venous eczema
Muscle cramps when making sudden movements, such as standing
Abnormal bleeding or healing time for injuries in the affected area
Lipodermatosclerosis or shrinking skin near the ankles
Restless legs syndrome appears to be a common overlapping clinical syndrome in people with varicose veins and other chronic venous insufficiency
Atrophie blanche, or white, scar-like formations
Burning or throbbing sensation in the legsPeople with varicose veins might have a positive D-dimer blood test result due to chronic low-level thrombosis within dilated veins (varices). Complications
Most varicose veins are reasonably benign, but severe varicosities can lead to major complications, due to the poor circulation through the affected limb. Pain, tenderness, heaviness, inability to walk or stand for long hours
Skin conditions / dermatitis which could predispose skin loss
Skin ulcers especially near the ankle, usually referred to as venous ulcers
Development of carcinoma or sarcoma in longstanding venous ulcers. Over 100 reported cases of malignant transformation have been reported at a rate reported as 0.4% to 1%
Severe bleeding from minor trauma, of particular concern in the elderly
Blood clotting within affected veins, termed superficial thrombophlebitis. These are frequently isolated to the superficial veins, but can extend into deep veins, becoming a more serious problem. Acute fat necrosis can occur, especially at the ankle of overweight people with varicose veins.