clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
Symptoms commonly associated with varicose veins are:
- disfigurement:
- patients are frequently disturbed by the poor cosmetic appearance of their legs
- both their concern and their symptoms may worsen in the summer when the legs are warm and exposed
- pain:
- legs frequently ache, especially after prolonged standing
- patients often describe a dull, heavy, "burning" sensation that becomes more severe as the day progresses
- in women, symptoms may worsen in the few days prior to menstruation
- itching:
- the skin over the varices may itch
- may be associated with varicose eczema
- heaviness
- worry:
- patients may present because of concern about possible complications such as ulceration
Examination:
- varices appear on standing and disappear when recumbent
- positive Brodie-Trendelenburg test
- doppler flow studies identify 'backflow' through incompetent valves