Symptoms of varicose veins

Abstract Background: The relationships between varicose veins (VVs) and leg symptoms have not been studied. The aim of this study was to define the relationships between age, sex, leg symptoms and VVs. Methods: An age‐stratified sample of 699 men and 867 women aged 18–64 years, selected randomly from 12 general practices distributed socioeconomically throughout the city, completed a questionnaire regarding leg symptoms (heaviness/tension, swelling, aching, restless legs, cramps, itching, tingling) and underwent a clinical examination. Results: In men, swelling and cramps (both P ≤ 0·001), and in women swelling ( P = 0·02), restless legs ( P = 0·001) and itching ( P = 0·045), were significantly more common in older subjects. Data have therefore been age adjusted. Women were significantly ( P < 0·01) more likely to respond positively when asked about all leg symptoms, except tingling. The commonest symptoms were aching in women (53·8 per cent) and cramps in men (34·0 per cent). There was no difference between right and left legs. In men, only itching was significantly related to trunk VVs ( P = 0·011). In women, there was a relationship between trunk VVs and heaviness/tension, aching and itching ( P ≤ 0·005). Hyphen‐web varices were not related to symptoms in men but were related to heaviness/tension and swelling in women. There was no association between reticular varices and symptoms in either sex. Conclusion: Even in the presence of VVs, most lower limb ‘venous’ symptoms are non‐venous in aetiology. Surgery is unlikely to ameliorate symptoms in the majority of patients. © 1999 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd