An Update on the Treatment of Lower Extremity Veins

Abstract

Abnormal leg veins such as varicose, reticular, and telangiectatic veins are a common complaint among adult patients and can often be a manifestation of underlying superficial venous hypertension and associated symptoms. Increasing age, obesity, pregnancy, hormonal factors, and the influence of prolonged sitting or standing can all play a role in promoting their development. The more factors that are present, the higher the likelihood for the development of leg veins. A number of therapeutic options are currently available for the treatment, including sclerotherapy and lasers for cutaneous veins and endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for subcutaneous sources of superficial venous reflux including incompetent truncal veins.