VARICOSE VEIN (Lat. Daricosus, full of dilated veins, from saris, dilated vein), or VARIX. A dilated and tortuous vein. Varices are of com mon occurrence in the snbmucous veins of the rectum (constituting hemorrhoids or piles), in the spermatic veins, giving rise to varicocele (q.v.), and in the veins of the lower extremities. They are very rarely found in other veins, such as those of the scalp. neck, and groin. Cooks, wash er-women, and soldiers and others whose occu pation involves much standing, are specially prone to varicose veins. Varices may occur at almost any period of life, but are chiefly devel oped during middle age. Their formation is aided by any condition of the system which im pedes the circulation, as certain diseases of the heai t. lungs. and liver, and by continued over eating aml the use of alcoholic stimulants, which are liable to induee hemorrhoids. Senile degen eration, gout. pregnancy, and the excessive eXer eke of the athlete may act as causes in certain eases. In varicose veins the coats of the dilated vessels may become thickened or may become thin; they may he lengthened so that the veins become tortuous; the dilatation may be unequal, giving rise to the formation of pouches; and, in consequence of the enlarged calibre of the vessels, the veins act imperfectly, and their walls gradually undergo degeneration. Variees occurring in the leg commonly give rise to deep-seated aching pain in the limb, with a sense of weight. fullness, and numbness, before there is any external appearanee of the affection.
In a more advanced stage the ankles swell in the evening and the feet are cold. After a I hne a small tumor of a bluish tint appears, which dis appears on pressure, hut returns on the removal of the pressure, and caused by a dilated vein. This dilatation extends, and forms knotty, irreg ular humors. soft to touch, diminishing on pres sure or on the patient assuming a horizontal posture, amid giving a bluish tint to the adjacent skin, These tumors commonly occur in the mid dle of the leg, along the track of the saphenous veins. hut they often extend along the whole of the leg and thigh. The deep as well is the suls.r ficial veins may be involved and the varices may be as large in diameter as a leadpeneil.
The treatment of varicose veins is palliative or radical. Garters must be absolutely forbidden. The use of an elastic bandage or elastic stocking upon the limb, the evenly distributed pressure of which supports the veins, is palliative. Such treatment. combined with proper dietetic and hygienic measures, is usually sufficient to meet the requirements of ordinary eases. It is not, however, curative. The radical or curative meth od of treatment consists in thorough exeision of the sections of the enlarged veins at intervals of about two inches. Injection of astringents into time veins has been practiced, but is not devoid of danger.