Assessment of lower extremity venous insufficiency and lipedema and their association with knee symptoms, functions, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of the venous insufficiency (VI) or lipedema on the symptoms, functions, and quality of life (QoL) of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods 96 patients with stage 3/4 knee OA were included in the study. Patients were grouped as OA ( n = 35), VI + OA ( n = 35), and lipedema + OA ( n = 26). Range of motion (ROM), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), short-form (SF-36), and 6-minute walking test (6MWT) were evaluated. Results WOMAC stiffness score was significantly higher in the VI group than the other groups ( p < .05). VAS resting, WOMAC pain, function, and total scores were significantly higher in the lipedema + OA and VI + OA groups than the OA group ( p < .05). SF-36-physical role limitation was significantly lower in the lipedema and VI groups ( p < .05). Conclusion VI or lipedema accompanying knee OA increases the existing disability due to OA by negatively affecting patients regarding pain, QoL, and physical functioning.