Varicose Veins: Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment

Varicose veins are manifestations of chronic venous disease and affect over 20% of the United States adult population. The direct medical cost for chronic venous disease is estimated to be between $150 million and $1 billion annually in the US. Although usually thought to be no more than a cosmetic nuisance, varicose veins can be the source of more serious complications. This article is intended to aid the nurse practitioner in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Updated analysis of short- and long-term treatment outcomes from newer procedures are described.