Venous insufficiency in male workers with a standing profession. Part 2: diurnal volume changes of the lower legs.

Abstract

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs frequently in the occupational population but is often not recognized. To evaluate leg volume measurements in the detection of CVI. The lower leg volume was measured in 81 males with CVI and a standing occupation, at the beginning and end of 2 full working days using an optical leg volume meter. A volume increase of over 50 ml was found in 60% of the legs. The mean volume change was +2.6% in legs with minor CVI and +3.6% in legs with major CVI. A high volume change was associated with a tired feeling and pain in the legs. In the detection of CVI, the predictive value of volume measurements was 71%, and in combination with a questionnaire 83%. A volume increase of the lower legs in the course of the day was common and associated with subjective complaints of the legs. As a predictor of CVI, isolated volume measurements were ineffective because an overlap was present with the distribution of volume changes in healthy workers.