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 Wang Shuai
Urology
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Can bilateral varicocele be cured?

After the occurrence of varicocele, some patients may experience a feeling of heaviness and pain in the scrotum, which is often more apparent after prolonged standing, sitting, or intense exercise, and gradually alleviates after lying down and resting. During physical examination, tortuous veins similar to earthworms can be felt inside the scrotum. A color Doppler ultrasound examination is needed for further clarification. For bilateral varicoceles, it is currently curable. The main treatment method is surgical intervention, such as laparoscopic high ligation of the spermatic veins on both sides. This surgical approach is a minimally invasive procedure and the surgical outcomes are quite definite. Generally, a recovery period of 3-6 months after surgery is expected before complete recovery.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Treatment methods for gastric varices

Gastric varices primarily refer to varices at the stomach base, often occurring in diseases characterized by portal hypertension associated with liver cirrhosis and as a complication of these gastric varices. For treating varices at the stomach base, if continuous hematemesis or vomiting blood occurs, there are several treatment options: The first is the injection of a sclerosing agent, which can achieve the purpose of hemostasis. Additionally, endoscopic ligation treatment can be considered. This method is very effective in preventing the rupture and bleeding of gastric varices. However, it is crucial to assess the overall status of the patient and determine whether liver cirrhosis can be prevented or treated.

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Written by Chen Feng
Urology
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How is varicocele treated?

The treatment of varicocele depends on the severity of the condition. Clinically, some varicocele patients do not exhibit obvious symptoms, or show no symptoms at all and are only diagnosed during physical examinations. These patients can generally be treated conservatively by avoiding standing for long periods, avoiding prolonged walking, and by wearing tight underwear to alleviate symptoms of varicocele. However, some patients with varicocele do exhibit clear symptoms, including discomfort and pain in the scrotum on the affected side, especially after long periods of walking. These symptoms can become more severe and may also be accompanied by abnormalities in semen quality. These patients generally require surgical intervention, such as high ligation of the veins.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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Will varicose veins recur and have sequelae after surgery?

After varicose vein surgery, there may be a recurrence, and there may also be sequelae. The main reason for recurrence is that we only close off the varicose veins, but the causes that lead to varicose veins are not removed, such as some people having a family history, some being involved in long-term physical labor, and some being excessively obese. If these factors are not eliminated, the patient is very likely to relapse. The recurring veins may be some other nearby superficial veins that some surgical methods did not remove but merely closed locally. These veins might also reopen, and sequelae are possible. The most common sequelae include nerve damage, such as saphenous nerve damage, which is quite common with an incidence rate of about 14%. The main symptom is numbness near the inner ankle, which might improve over time. Some people feel discomfort at the surgical site on rainy or cloudy days shortly after surgery, and if the deep veins are damaged during surgery, more severe consequences may occur, including poor reflux in the deep veins and deep vein thrombosis, etc.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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How should young people deal with varicose veins in the lower legs?

Firstly, for young people with varicose veins in the lower leg, it is recommended to go to the hospital for an ultrasound examination to check the condition of the deep veins. Additionally, consult a professional vascular surgeon to assess the severity. If the deep veins are unobstructed and the superficial varicose veins in the lower leg are not too severe, the doctor will suggest the patient wear medical compression stockings and continue with normal life activities. If the condition is more serious or there are certain issues with the deep veins, the doctor might recommend surgery. For such patients, it is important in daily life to avoid standing or sitting for long periods, and to avoid letting the legs dangle for too long. If standing, one can also step in place appropriately, which helps alleviate varicose veins. Also, when resting, take any opportunity to elevate the legs and avoid soaking feet in hot water.