Effect of Hot /Cold Water Therapy on Lower Limb Varicose Vein: Patients' Reported Outcomes

M. El-Sayed, Zeinab; Mamdouh Abu Zead, Mervat

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2023.314269

Effect of Hot /Cold Water Therapy on Lower Limb Varicose Vein: Patients' Reported Outcomes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing,-Cairo University-Egypt

² Lecturer - Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing,-Cairo University-Egypt

10.21608/ejhc.2023.314269

Abstract

Background: Varicose veins or varicosities are a common condition caused by weak or damaged of vein walls and valves. It can affect blood flow and cause poor circulation in the legs that lead to feeling of heaviness and fatigue. So treatment options of varicose veins can help improve circulation and alleviate symptoms. Aim: Was to investigate the effect of hot/cold water therapy on patients’ reported outcomes of lower limb varicose veins. Design: A quasi experimental (pre-posttest design) was utilized. Tools: I: Patient’s demographic and Medical background form. II: Varicose vein symptoms questionnaire (VVSymQ). III: Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Setting: The study was conducted in the outpatient of the vascular clinic at EL-Manial University Hospitals-Egypt. Sample: A purposive sample of sixty adult male & female patients over six consecutive months; who were diagnosed with primary uncomplicated varicose veins (C1& C2 based on CEAP classification) and divided randomly into the study and control groups 30 patient/each. Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference in varicose vein symptoms’ total mean scores between the study and control groups over the three readings as ANOVA=336.74, P=0.000. There was a highly statistically significant difference in pain level total mean scores between the study and control groups over the three readings as ANOVA=37.41, P=.000. Also there was a highly positive relationship between post1 and post2 readings regarding varicose vein symptoms among the study group (r =.703 P=.000). While there was a highly positive relationship between post1 and post2 readings in relation to pain level (r =.487 P =.006). Conclusion: Hot/cold water therapy reduces varicose veins symptoms and pain level. Recommendation: Replication of the study on a large sample size from different geographic areas in Egypt; add hot/cold water therapy in the protocol of care for patients with varicose veins.

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