Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are dilated often palpable subcutanous veins with reversed blood flow. Most commonly found in legs ( NICE 2014 )

Dilated , tortuous or lengthened superficial veins affecting the lower limbs. They occur in the distribution of ○ Long saphenous vein ○ Short ( small ) saphenous veinVaricose veins are present in up to 10-20 % of men and 25-33 % women Common during pregnancy ( around 40 % of pregnant women )

Tingling Itching Pain , pruritis Skin rashes Fatigue Heavy feeling in legs Cosmetic embaressment.Burning sensation Restless legs Night cramps Edema Paraesthesia

Pathophysiology-Number of theories have been suggested Venous hypertension in diseased veins Venous endothelium and smooth muscle abnormality → vein wall dilatation with secondary valvular incompetence Valve incompetence →Reflux of blood and ↑ ed pressure in the vein distally

Complications -Inflammation and throbosis of superficial veins ( thrombophlebitis ) Deep vein thrombosis Skin thickening Skin staining ( lipodermatosclerosis ) Haemorrhage from a superficial varicosity Ulceration ( around 70 % of lower limb ulcers are due to venous disease )

Classification -CEAP ( Clinical , Anatomical and Pathophysiological ) Classification for Chronic Venous Disorders C0 No signs of venous disorder C1 Spider veins and reticular varices ▬...