Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a spectrum of disorders most commonly presenting in the lower limbs. The range of clinical manifestations includes at one end visible small vessel disease, such as Spider veins, reticular veins and Varicose Veins (VV), progressing to advanced chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) with all its complications. CVD is defined as any morphological or functional abnormality of the venous system that has a prolonged duration with signs and/or symptoms that indicate the need for investigations and/or care[1].
Varicose Veins are defined as visible tortuous, dilated and elongated subcutaneous veins that are commonly found in the legs but can be located in other parts of the body. CVI is a condition of the lower extremities that results from persistent venous hypertension, consistent with advanced disease and causes symptoms/pain including oedema, skin changes (such as haemosiderosis and lipodermosclerosis) and leg ulcers. This review will summarise relevant clinical factors and current treatment options for management of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency
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