[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous
injection with lidocaine in patients with chronic venous insufficiency in the early stage.
[Subjects and Methods] Patients (n=50) randomized to the treatment group received
subcutaneous injections from a mixture of physiological saline sterile solution and
lidocaine once a week to both legs below the knee for 5 sessions. Patients in the
treatment group were also given ankle pumping exercises and compression stockings
throughout the treatment. Patients randomized to the control group (n=50) received only
ankle pumping exercises and compression stockings. Patients were evaluated using the
visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Chronic Venous Disease Quality of life
Questionnaire (CIVIQ-20) for quality-of-life at months 1, 3, 6, at the end of month 12,
and at the end of the injection treatment for 5 sessions. [Results] CIVIQ-20 and VAS
results were significantly lower in the treatment group, than in the control group at
months 1, 3 and 6. However, CIVIQ-20 and VAS results were not significantly different,
compared with the pre-operative period at month 12. [Conclusion] We observed that 5-week
subcutaneous lidocaine injection treatment was effective in patients who do not respond to
oral medical treatment or in whom surgery is not considered.