The great saphenous vein is the longest subcutaneous superficial vein in the body, originating from the dorsal vein on the inner side of the foot and ascending to the groin on the inner side of the lower limb. Varicose veins in the lower limbs often occur on the inner side of the calf, and in severe cases, they can expand upwards and reach the inner side of the thigh. Even tortuous and clustered varicose veins can be seen in the entire lower limb. The varicose veins in the lower limbs of these patients mainly occur in the great saphenous vein and its branches, hence they are called great saphenous vein varicose veins.
In clinical practice, we simply divide the disease into six stages based on its severity. They are respectively the reticular expansion phase, earthworm shaped expansion phase, venous edema phase, lipid sclerosis phase, ulcer healing phase, and ulcer phase.
What are the clinical manifestations of saphenous varicose veins? Our normal work and life cannot do without two healthy legs, and varicose veins pose a significant threat to this. Early symptoms: (1) After standing for a long time, the legs become sore, uncomfortable, and prone to fatigue and weakness. (2) Generally speaking, the symptoms are mild when waking up in the morning, and after a busy day of work, the symptoms worsen at night. (3) Some patients may experience numbness and mild pain on the inner side of the ankle (also known as the ankle). (4) There are worm like blue varicose vein masses on both calves. Due to the general lack of health awareness among people, varicose veins are often in the middle to late stages when seeking medical attention at the hospital.
Late stage manifestations: (1) After standing for a long time, the legs become sore and swollen, even affecting work. (2) Both calves are covered with varicose veins. (3) Eczema and ulcers appear in the ankles, and due to the development of varicose veins, ulcers appear in the ankle area in the middle and late stages, commonly known as "old rotten feet".
What are the treatment methods for varicose veins of the great saphenous vein? Conservative treatment is generally chosen for early varicose veins: wearing medical elastic socks, which are made according to the physiological pressure gradient of the lower limbs, to protect the veins of the lower limbs when standing, raise the affected limb normally, and avoid long-term standing or sitting. If for cosmetic reasons or to completely eliminate the symptoms of varicose veins, surgery is the only effective method.
Is surgery necessary for late stage varicose veins? Not necessarily, conservative treatment is also possible. The main methods are: oral medication for reducing swelling and improving lower limb blood circulation, active dressing changes, avoiding bumps, promoting ulcer healing, wearing medical elastic socks, reducing venous pressure, and promoting blood reflux. The above treatment can improve symptoms and delay the progression of the disease, but can only achieve short-term efficacy. It can be said that in the middle and late stages of this disease, the varicose veins have undergone irreversible changes, and any conservative treatment method cannot fundamentally solve the problem. So choosing surgery to completely remove the diseased veins is a positive treatment option. There are many surgical methods, and traditional high ligation and main stem dissection have a long history and proven efficacy; Laser intracavitary therapy and sclerotherapy are both minimally invasive techniques that have emerged in recent years, with the advantages of minimal trauma and fast recovery. Overall, each treatment method has its own characteristics and needs to be carefully evaluated and selected by doctors. No one method can be suitable for all patients.
The key to preventing varicose veins is prevention. In daily life, the following methods can be used to prevent varicose veins. People who sit for long periods of time due to occupational reasons can get up and move around every hour or alternate between stretching and hooking their toes while sitting in a chair; People who have been standing for a long time can relieve venous pressure by standing on tiptoe or changing their support legs, or they can choose to wear elastic socks while working.
Persist in brisk walking every day, increase the exercise volume of calf muscles, and promote venous return. Obese individuals should plan to lose weight, maintain a normal weight, and avoid wearing tight clothing. Adjust your diet structure and eat more vegetables and fruits. Drink no less than 1500ml of water per day to prevent constipation. In late pregnancy, follow the doctor's advice to wear elastic socks, avoid prolonged standing and sitting, engage in moderate activity, and reduce venous pressure.
Proactively seek medical attention for long-term chronic cough to alleviate symptoms and avoid increased abdominal pressure. Don't cross your legs at home, you can relax and rest with soft cushions under your legs. Prevention is crucial for the treatment of varicose veins in the great saphenous vein. If you have varicose veins, do not take it lightly and seek medical attention promptly at a reputable medical institution to avoid delaying the best treatment opportunity.