Varicose veins and occupational health: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Abstract

| The aim of the present study was to perform a literature review about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of varicose veins (VV) within the occupational medicine setting. I reviewed scientific articles, books, master’s and doctoral dissertations and synthesized the results of quantitative and qualitative studies. I further retrieved information from Brazilian federal government occupational health websites. The time frame considered was the period from 2004 through 2018. VV are abnormally dilated, twisted and congested veins caused by prolonged peripheral venous hypertension and chronic venous insufficiency. VV most commonly involve the lower limbs in association with static posture and continuous contraction which exhaust the muscles, especially among individuals who remain standing over long periods of time. VV are associated with risk factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle and hormones. Symptoms include feelings of tiredness, pain and swelling. When untreated VV might result in venous ulcers. Occupational physicians should promote changes in the workers’ lifestyle, particularly as concerns physical activity (stretching and walking), local massage and elevating the lower limbs - feet about 15 cm above the heart level, and prescribe compression stockings or bandages, and medications such as diosmin, calcium dobesilate, rutosides and horse chestnut extract.

Factors associated with chronic venous disease: study in 1,136 patients treated for varicose veins of the lower limbs in a specialized clinic

“…However, some reports suggest that remaining in one position for a prolonged time may be positively associated with the development of varicose veins and that positive changes in lifestyle may help reduce the severity of symptoms and improve work-related quality of life. [37][38][39] In conclusion, the results of this study that the distribution of venous disease in the assessed population is very similar to that found in other series, support the progression of clinical severity with age and BMI, and indicate a higher frequency of family history of varicose veins in the evaluated patients. Knowledge of population's characteristics favors guidance on the natural disease history to patients and also improves resource optimization by establishing priorities based on the existence of risk factors or derived complications, which may lead to improved quality of life and reduced health expenditure.…”

Factores asociados con la enfermedad venosa crónica: estudio en 1.136 pacientes tratados por várices de miembros inferiores en una clínica especializada en Colombia

“…However, some reports suggest that remaining in one position for a prolonged time may be positively associated with the development of varicose veins and that positive changes in lifestyle may help reduce the severity of symptoms and improve work-related quality of life. 37 - 39 …”

“…La falta de uniformidad en estos criterios entre los diferentes estudios ha hecho difícil encontrar una relación entre ocupación y desarrollo de várices, además de la existencia de múltiples factores que pueden influir en su aparición. Sin embargo, algunos reportes sugieren que puede haber una asociación positiva entre las posiciones prolongadas durante mucho tiempo y la aparición de várices, y que el cambio positivo en los estilos de vida puede ayudar a disminuir la severidad de los síntomas y mejorar la calidad de vida en el trabajo 37 - 39 .…”

Assessment of Endovenous Microwave Ablation with High Tie versus Traditional Surgery for Primary Varicose Veins

“…The symptoms can range greatly from little discomfort and swelling to the development of a non-healing venous stasis ulcer [3] . Clinical Etiological Anatomic and Pathologic (CEAP) Classification is mostly recommended for characterizing the degree of VVs [4] .…”