Varicose Veins, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Nivedita Dar28 Nov, 2024
Share
Varicose Veins - Dilated tortuous veins in lower extremities. Varicose veins are subcutaneous tortuous veins greater than or equal to three millimeters, involving the saphenous veins of the legs and their tributaries. Family history and age are important risk factors for this condition. It can lead to many complications like thrombosis and cosmetic complaints.
Chronic venous disease can cause varicose veins, which can lead to a wide range of clinical and pathological manifestations, from limited leg discomfort to swelling and non-healing ulcers.Visit - MedEd App
Read More - Pharyngeal Arches
Causes of Varicose Veins
The risk factors for varicose veins include female sex, multiparity, body weight, constipation, and history of venous thrombosis. Prolonged standing and walking at work have been suggested as important causes of varicose veins. The primary pathologies related to varicose veins are: 1.Elevated venous pressure in the extremities. 2.Defective or incompetent valves resulting in reflux and thus elevated venous pressure in the extremities. Incompetent venous valves result in the backward transmission of the pressure gradient. The pressure gradient is transmitted from the deep to the superficial venous system via the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) and perforator veins. The most common site for incompetent venous valves is the below-knee great saphenous vein. Conditions such as increased intra-abdominal pressure, pregnancy, obesity, and venous hypertension contribute to this issue.Read More - Radiodiagnosis
History and Clinical Presentation
Initial diagnosis is done by clinical evaluation of swelling, discoloration, and skin ulcerations. Symptoms associated with varicose veins include leg heaviness, itching, cramps, mild tenderness, skin discoloration, exercise intolerance, and leg fatigue. The physical exam may reveal visibly distended veins from thigh to ankle. The discoloration is usually most prominent around the ankle and calf.The Trendelenburg Test
This test is often used to assess the competency of the deep venous valves. The leg is elevated until all the superficial veins have collapsed. The groin area is compressed to occlude the saphenofemoral junction, and the patient is asked to stand up. If the deep valves are incompetent, the superficial veins will start filling up. If the distal varicosity remains empty, the point of entry is most likely at the saphenofemoral junction. This patient can benefit from ligation of the saphenous vein at this junction.Read More - Pelvis and Perineum
Complications
The most feared complication of varicose veins stems from thromboembolic events like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and peripheral artery disease (PAD). According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), varicose vein patients had about a five times greater risk of developing a DVT. A blood clot inside a vein deep in the body is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and it can be a complication of varicose veins when it forms in the leg. DVT may not have any symptoms but can cause pain, swelling, and warmth in the leg. It is a serious condition that can lead to disability and even death if the thrombus travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. When this happens, it is called a Pulmonary Embolus (PE).Varicose Veins FAQs
What are the skin changes in DVT?
Skin changes in DVT can include redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected leg. Over time, the skin may become discolored and ulcerate.
What are the lifestyle changes suggested with DVT?
Lifestyle changes for managing DVT include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity, and wearing compression stockings.
What are some treatment options for DVT?
Treatment options for DVT include anticoagulant medications, thrombolytic therapy, compression stockings, and in some cases, surgical interventions such as the insertion of a filter in the vena cava or vein ligation.
Can DVT become life-threatening?
Yes, DVT can become life-threatening if the blood clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can lead to severe complications and even death.
🔥 Trending Blogs
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.
Get App