VENOUS DISEASE

In industrialized countries, more than 30% of women and about 10% of men consult for venous signs and symptoms of the legs.

Feelings of heaviness, tiredness and swelling may be present without visible venous disease. Spider veins and varicose veins represent clinical entities requiring special attention. Important factors such as heredity, excess weight, some professions requiring prolonged periods of standing or sitting may increase the risk of developing a chronic venous disease of the legs.

These conditions can evolve and produce complications such as skin pigmentation, chronic oedema, dermititis, eczema, phlebitis and ultimately leg ulcerations.

Deep venous thrombosis may be a consequence as well but it usually occurs without pre-existing venous disease.

A general knowledge about chronic venous disease, information on possible treatments, and the respect of some health guidelines are the first steps towards living with healthy legs in the 21st century.