Varicose veins and venous thromboembolism in inflammatory rheumatic diseases: vascular complications and rehabilitation approaches
Zimba O. Korkosz M. Sultanov A. Permenov B.A. Kocyigit B.F.
February 2026Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Rheumatology International
2026#46Issue 2
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) compromise vascular integrity through systemic inflammation and (auto) immune reactions, which are associated with an increased risk of vascular complications. Venous stasis, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulation imbalance are the primary pathophysiological factors behind thrombotic events in these individuals. The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in IRDs is higher than in the general population, although the magnitude of this increase varies across diseases. Inflammatory damage to vessel walls, diminished elasticity, and compromised muscle pump function may contribute to the formation of varicose veins (VVs). A sedentary lifestyle, decreased muscular strength, and weight gain worsen the condition, particularly by adversely affecting venous return in the lower extremities. Consequently, the prevention of vascular issues in IRDs should be facilitated by both pharmaceutical interventions and rehabilitation with lifestyle modifications. A multidisciplinary rehabilitation strategy—encompassing regular physical activity, compression therapy, inflammation management, weight control, and patient education—enhances venous return, mitigates thrombosis risk, and improves quality of life.
Arthritis , Rehabilitation , Rheumatic diseases , Varicose veins , Venous thromboembolism , Venous thrombosis
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Department of Rheumatology, Immunology and Internal Medicine, University Hospital in Kraków, Kraków, Poland
National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
Department of Internal Medicine N2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
Department of Social Health Insurance and Public Health, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Clinical Diagnostics Center, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkistan, Kazakhstan
Department of Cardiac Surgery Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Heart Center Shymkent, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Department of Internal Medicine, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkistan, Kazakhstan
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Adana Health Practice and Research Center, Türkiye, Adana, Turkey
Department of Rheumatology
National Institute of Geriatrics
Department of Internal Medicine N2
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology
Department of Social Health Insurance and Public Health
Clinical Diagnostics Center
Department of Cardiac Surgery Anesthesiology and Intensive Care
Department of Internal Medicine
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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