User:Mr. Ibrahem/Varicose veins

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Varicose veins
Leg affected by varicose veins
Pronunciation
SpecialtyVascular surgery, dermatology[1]
SymptomsNone, fullness, pain in the area[2]
ComplicationsBleeding, superficial thrombophlebitis[2][1]
Risk factorsObesity, not enough exercise, leg trauma, family history, pregnancy[3]
Diagnostic methodBased on examination[2]
Differential diagnosisArterial insufficiency, peripheral neuritis[4]
TreatmentCompression stockings, exercise, sclerotherapy, surgery[2][3]
PrognosisCommonly reoccur[2]
FrequencyVery common[3]

Varicose veins are superficial veins that have become enlarged and twisted.[2][1] Typically they occur just under the skin in the legs.[3] Usually they result in few symptoms but some may experience fullness or pain in the area.[2] Complications may include bleeding or superficial thrombophlebitis.[2][1] When varices occur in the scrotum it is known as a varicocele while those around the anus are known as hemorrhoids.[1] Varicose veins may negatively affect quality of life due to their physical, social and psychological effects.[5]

Often there is no specific cause.[2] Risk factors include obesity, not enough exercise, leg trauma, and a family history of the condition.[3] They also occur more commonly in pregnancy.[3] Occasionally they result from chronic venous insufficiency.[2] The underlying mechanism involves weak or damaged valves in the veins.[1] Diagnosis is typically by examination and may be supported by ultrasound.[2] In contrast spider veins involve the capillaries and are smaller.[1][6]

Treatment may involve life-style changes or medical procedures with the goal of improving symptoms and appearance.[1] Life-style changes may include compression stockings, exercise, elevating the legs, and weight loss.[1] Medical procedures include sclerotherapy, laser surgery, and vein stripping.[2][1] Following treatment there is often reoccurrence.[2]

Varicose veins are very common, affecting about 30% of people at some point in time.[3][7] They become more common with age.[3] Women are affected 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.[8]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Varicose Veins". National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Varicose Veins - Cardiovascular Disorders". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "Varicose Veins". medlineplus.gov. Archived from the original on 23 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  4. ^ Buttaro, Terry Mahan; Trybulski, JoAnn; Polgar-Bailey, Patricia; Sandberg-Cook, Joanne (2016). BOPOD - Primary Care: A Collaborative Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 609. ISBN 9780323355216. Archived from the original on 2019-01-21. Retrieved 2019-01-21.
  5. ^ Lumley, E; Phillips, P; Aber, A; Buckley-Woods, H; Jones, GL; Michaels, JA (April 2019). "Experiences of living with varicose veins: A systematic review of qualitative research". Journal of clinical nursing. 28 (7–8): 1085–1099. doi:10.1111/jocn.14720. PMID 30461103.
  6. ^ a b "Varicose veins and spider veins". womenshealth.gov. 15 December 2016. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
  7. ^ "Varicose veins Introduction - Health encyclopaedia". NHS Direct. 8 November 2007. Archived from the original on 9 November 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  8. ^ Gloviczki, Peter (2008). Handbook of Venous Disorders : Guidelines of the American Venous Forum Third Edition. CRC Press. p. 6. ISBN 9781444109689. Archived from the original on 2019-01-21. Retrieved 2019-01-21.