Varicosities of the great saphenous vein
What is Varicosities of the Great Saphenous Vein?
Varicosities of the great saphenous vein is a condition whereby the veins around the inside of the thigh (of the lower limb) become enlarged, twisted and sometimes painful.
It is the most common form of varicose veins. These veins are often visible through the skin, as the veins swell with blood, and may cause aching, throbbing, or cramps. In rare cases, they may cause skin ulcers or bleeding.
Causes of Varicosities of the Great Saphenous Vein
The most common cause of varicosities of the great saphenous vein is a failure of the vein walls to close properly. This can happen when the surface layer of veins becomes weak or stretched due to age, obesity, pregnancy, or other factors.
When the surface layer of the veins becomes weak, it can no longer tightly hold the veins together. This causes the veins to swell and enlarge, putting pressure on the surrounding tissues.
Risk Factors
- Older age
- Being overweight or obese
- Standing for long periods of time
- Pregnancy
- Genetic predisposition
Diagnosis
Your doctor may use a variety of tests to diagnose varicose veins of the legs. These tests may include:
- A physical exam to check your veins and legs for swelling
- An ultrasound scan to check the blood flow in your veins
- CT or MRI scan to get a detailed view of the veins
- Venography, a test to check the condition of the veins using a special dye
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments available for varicose veins of the leg. These include:
- Compression stockings: These special stockings provide compression and support to the veins in your leg. This helps to reduce swelling and pain.
- Sclerotherapy: A sclerosant solution is injected into the affected vein. This causes the vein to shrink and eventually disappear.
- Laser therapy and light therapy: A small incision is made in the affected vein and a laser or light is inserted. The laser or light then seals the vein shut.
- Surgery: In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected vein.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as avoiding standing for long periods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight to help manage varicose veins of the leg.