Can varicose veins cause leg swelling?

Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Varicose veins are a broad concept that is clinically divided into seven grades, from 0 to 6. Grade 0 is normal, grade 1 involves some capillary dilation, grade 2 is marked by clear varicose veins, and from grade 3 onwards, edema can occur. Generally, the causes of varicose veins vary. Some people suffer from what is called simple superficial varicose veins, primarily due to problems with the valves in the superficial veins. These patients may experience mild edema, limited to the ankle area. Others suffer from secondary varicose veins, following dysfunction of the valves in the deep veins or communicating veins. In deep veins, there can be reflux or obstruction. In such cases, it is possible to cause compressible edema in the front of the lower leg, commonly known as shinbone area.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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What is the cause of pain in varicose veins?

Varicose veins can sometimes cause localized pain, and there are several reasons for this pain. One reason is the formation of blood clots in the varicose veins, which can cause very obvious pain. Additionally, the affected area feels harder, not soft. When we say soft, it's like the softness of one’s lips; if it feels like the tip of the nose or the forehead, then it's considered very hard. In such cases, it indicates that the vein is not empty but contains a solid blood clot, which can cause pain. Another situation is if there is poor venous return in the proximal segment, causing the veins to fill significantly in a short time. This can also pull on the nerves outside the vein wall, leading to a sensation of pain.

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Written by Chen Feng
Urology
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What should be paid attention to after varicocele surgery?

The precautions to take after varicocelectomy surgery are as follows: 1. After the surgery, it is important to keep the surgical incision clean and dry to reduce the chances of infection. 2. In the postoperative diet, eat lightly, consuming more fresh vegetables and fruits, and moderately include protein-rich foods such as lean meat, fish, eggs, and milk. Protein supplementation is beneficial for the healing of the surgical incision. 3. Rest is crucial after surgery. Generally, it is advised to rest in bed, avoid standing for long periods, and refrain from extensive walking. Extended standing may cause discomfort and swelling of the scrotum, so more bed rest is recommended.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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Does Grade II varicose veins require surgery?

In our clinical staging, Grade 2 varicose veins are the most common type of varicose veins. Often, these do not have complications and are relatively early-stage. The decision to undergo surgery depends on the patient's personal treatment preference. Some individuals might be motivated by cosmetic reasons, such as wanting to wear skirts or shorts in the summer to show off their legs. In such cases, their desire for treatment might be stronger. For some older individuals, they might not care as much, so the choice of undergoing surgery or opting for conservative treatment for Grade 2 varicose veins really depends on the patient's own wishes.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Is leg cramp related to varicose veins?

Leg cramps are not directly related to varicose veins. The most common cause of leg cramps in clinical practice is calcium deficiency, which can lead to cramps in the calves at night. For such cases, the first step is to supplement calcium by consuming foods high in calcium, such as drinking more milk and eating more legumes. Varicose veins are caused by the tortuosity of the veins in the lower leg, and patients with varicose veins often have some degree of deformation in the venous valves, which leads to varicose veins. This condition has no relation to calf cramps, as the causes and conditions of the diseases are completely different.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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How to treat varicose veins stage II?

If you're referring to the second stage of varicose veins, I'm not sure if you mean the clinical manifestation stage two, or if it's a recurrence after one surgery. Let's first talk about stage two varicose veins, which means there are visible and tortuous vein clumps. There are several main treatment methods for this condition: First, conservative treatment, which involves wearing medical compression stockings. If symptoms include soreness, heaviness, or cramping, some medications can be taken orally. Then, if there is a desire for surgical treatment, options like vein stripping, radiofrequency, or laser treatments are available. Some may involve sclerotherapy or another method called venous angle keratin treatment, specifically for stage two varicose veins. If it's a recurrence of varicose veins, we need to assess the specific situation. Some people might have had previous endovenous closure surgeries, and their veins are still present. In such cases, we can choose to redo the closure or opt for surgery to remove them. Another scenario is if the varicose veins have recurred after surgery. We need to investigate the cause. Some people might have iliac vein stenosis, and in such cases, treatment targeted at the iliac vein is necessary.