Varicose veins
Medical condition in which superficial veins become large and twisted / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Varicose veins, also known as varicoses, are a medical condition in which superficial veins become enlarged and twisted.[1][2] These veins typically develop in the legs, just under the skin.[3] Varicose veins usually cause few symptoms. However, some individuals may experience fatigue or pain in the area.[2] Complications can include bleeding or superficial thrombophlebitis.[2][1] Varices in the scrotum are known as a varicocele, while those around the anus are known as hemorrhoids.[1] Due to the various physical, social, and psychological effects of varicose veins, they can negatively affect one's quality of life.[5]
Varicose veins | |
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Left leg of a male affected by varicose veins | |
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Vascular surgery, dermatology[1] |
Symptoms | None, fullness, pain in the area[2] |
Complications | Bleeding, superficial thrombophlebitis[2][1] |
Risk factors | Obesity, not enough exercise, leg trauma, family history, pregnancy[3] |
Diagnostic method | Based on examination[2] |
Differential diagnosis | Arterial insufficiency, peripheral neuritis[4] |
Treatment | Compression stockings, exercise, sclerotherapy, surgery[2][3] |
Prognosis | Commonly reoccur[2] |
Frequency | Very common[3] |
Varicose veins have no specific cause.[2] Risk factors include obesity, lack of exercise, leg trauma, and family history of the condition.[3] They also develop more commonly during pregnancy.[3] Occasionally they result from chronic venous insufficiency.[2] Underlying causes include weak or damaged valves in the veins.[1] They are typically diagnosed by examination, including observation by ultrasound.[2]
By contrast, spider veins affect the capillaries and are smaller.[1][6]
Treatment may involve lifestyle changes or medical procedures with the goal of improving symptoms and appearance.[1] Lifestyle changes may include wearing compression stockings, exercising, elevating the legs, and weight loss.[1] Possible medical procedures include sclerotherapy, laser surgery, and vein stripping.[2][1] Reoccurrence is common following treatment.[2]
Varicose veins are very common, affecting about 30% of people at some time in their lives.[7][3][8] They become more common with age.[3] Women develop varicose veins about twice as often as men.[6] Varicose veins have been described throughout history and have been treated with surgery since at least A.D. 400.[9]