What are the main symptoms of saphenous varicose veins?

  Saphenous varicose vein refers to the elongated, tortuous and varicose state of the saphenous vein, which is mostly seen in people who are engaged in persistent standing work, high intensity of physical activity or sedentary and less active. Congenital weakness of the vein wall and venous valve malfunction are important causes of the development. The location of varicose veins is also significantly related to the anatomical differences in the superficial veins of the lower extremities. In the trunk of the saphenous vein, the middle layer of muscle fibers of the vein wall is more developed and there is a large amount of fibrous connective tissue surrounding the vein wall and connected to the deep fascia, so varicose veins rarely occur, while the branches of its genera are located in the superficial subcutaneous fat, surrounded by less connective tissue, and the muscle layer of the wall is thinner, so varicose veins often occur. In addition, any aggravation can overstress the valves and lead to varicose veins. The main hemodynamic changes in varicose veins occur during the systole of the calf muscles. Due to the destruction of the venous valves that protect the unidirectional flow of blood, the deep venous blood flows backwards into the superficial venous system, creating deep venous pressures as high as 20 to 26.7 Pa during muscle contraction, resulting in the growth and thickening of the veins and the appearance of varicose veins.  Patients with saphenous varicose veins often experience heaviness, swelling, and soreness in the lower extremities, and itchy skin. This symptom can worsen after prolonged standing. Often the lower limbs are very uncomfortable for a day of activity and much better after a night’s rest. Usually the legs are heavy and sore and swollen after standing for a long time, which is relieved by sitting down or lifting the legs.  In the legs, we can see the worm-like protruding vein masses, which are often elastic and can be flattened, and disappear when lying down, but are obvious when standing up. If the varicose veins are prolonged, they may appear as brownish or black patches of skin, rashes, or even ulcers that do not heal for a long time.