Do you know the feeling when your legs are heavy and tired in the evening? Or the slight pain and unpleasant tingling that you feel after a long walk or sitting for a long time? For many people, these complaints are part of everyday life and are therefore often dismissed as normal signs of tiredness. However, these symptoms can also be caused by varicose veins - a widespread vein condition that is not only visually unpleasant but can also be a health risk. In the following article, we would therefore like to provide detailed information on all aspects of varicose veins (varicosis). Here you can find out everything you need to know about their development, the appropriate treatment and, above all, we will give you numerous tips on prevention. Let's start with the most important question: What are varicose veins? Varicose veins, also known as varicose veins, are enlarged, swollen and twisted veins that are visible under the surface of the skin. They often appear on the legs, but can also occur on other parts of the body. The cause is a weakness of the vein walls and valves, which impairs the flow of blood to the heart and leads to blood congestion in the veins.
An initial overview: What are the different types of varicose veins?
In medical terms, a distinction is made between the superficial and deep venous systems in the legs. The veins located deep in the body transport around 90 percent of the venous blood in the legs back to the heart. In contrast, the superficial veins are located directly under the skin. There are four types of varicose veins within the superficial venous system. Spider veins are the mildest form and appear as delicate reddish or bluish branches on the skin. Although they do not usually cause pain, they can be disturbing for cosmetic reasons and affect self-confidence. Reticular veins are located directly under the skin in the so-called reticular veins. They are thin, as their name suggests, arranged in a net-like pattern and are around one to three millimetres thick. They are often cosmetically unpleasant, but rarely cause pain or other symptoms. Lateral branch varices can either be congenital or caused by chronic venous congestion. They often occur on the sides of the legs and can become painful when standing or sitting for long periods. Trunk varices form in the large truncal veins, often as a result of a congenital defect in the venous valves. These varicose veins are particularly visible and can lead to considerable discomfort such as pain and swelling.
These varicose vein symptoms can occur:
Now we know more about the question "What are varicose veins?" and can look at the signs of varicose veins. The most common varicose veins on the leg occur. The symptoms range from visible, swollen veins to pain, heaviness and swelling. Itching or a burning sensation around the affected veins, as well as skin changes (discoloration or hardening) and muscle cramps, especially at night, are also common. Varicose veins in the thigh tend to be particularly painful, as they are often accompanied by a pulling sensation. These symptoms can be exacerbated by prolonged standing or sitting and therefore usually worsen during the day. Many sufferers are particularly burdened on hot days and experience a significant reduction in their quality of life. This is also due to the fact that varicose veins not only cause pain, but are unfortunately also very noticeable visually. By the way: Varicose veins on the foot are also not uncommon. They usually cause similar symptoms to those on the legs, i.e. the feet can swell and cause pain, especially after standing or walking for a long time. Visible veins on the feet are often an indication of venous insufficiency, which originates further up the legs.
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Let's now move on to the correct diagnosis and treatment. You may be asking yourself: Varicose veins - which doctor can help me? Or rather: How dangerous are my varicose veins? In most cases, varicose veins are not life-threatening, but can lead to serious complications if left untreated. You should therefore consult a specialist in vascular surgery or a phlebologist if you suspect you have varicose veins. These specialists can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend suitable treatment methods. If varicose veins remain untreated, complications can arise, especially in the advanced stages. The increased pressure in the veins may lead to more fluid leaking into the tissue of the legs. This can result in swelling, which is known as edema. In addition, red blood cells can enter the tissue, leading to reddish-brown skin changes on the legs. The changes to the vessel walls and the reduced blood flow velocity can also cause inflammation in the varicose veins (varicophlebitis), which is accompanied by the formation of blood clots (thrombi). Ulcers on the lower leg, known as open leg or leg ulcers, can also develop over time if varicose veins are left untreated. In rare cases, varicose veins can even burst (varicose vein rupture) and cause severe bleeding. Immediate first aid measures are then required, such as making an emergency call, elevating the leg and applying a bandage. As you can see, we must not ignore the issue, but should take action as soon as possible. So that you can take appropriate measures for treatment and - even better - for prevention, we will now explain the causes in detail.
This is the number 1 cause of varicose veins:
We would like to get to the bottom of the question "How do varicose veins develop?". We would like to go into a little more detail so that you are fully informed: The medical term for varicose veins is varicose veins. This term is used to describe the diseased, dilated veins caused by an insufficiency of the venous valves. When we talk about varicose veins, we are referring to the complete clinical picture, including the symptoms, causes and treatment options. It encompasses the entire spectrum of the disease and its effects on the body. The main cause of varicose veins is a weakness of the vein walls and valves. This weakness can be genetic and can be exacerbated by prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, pregnancy or hormonal changes. Varicose veins are caused by a malfunction of the venous valves. These normally prevent blood from flowing backwards and pooling in the veins. If the valves do not close properly, the blood collects in the veins, causing them to widen and deform.
You should be aware of the following risk factors:
With this knowledge, some risk factors for varicose veins can of course be identified immediately, for example anything that impairs the transportation of the blood from the legs. These include clothing that is too tight, pregnancy (weight gain and hormonal changes), sports that require abdominal squeezing, heavy lifting, chronic coughing or constipation that cause a strong recoil in the leg veins due to squeezing, sitting for long periods or crossing the legs and being overweight. Influences that affect the vein walls slacken also contribute to the development of varicose veins. These include hormones such as those found in the pill, menopausal hormones and during pregnancy, alcohol consumption and heat, for example from saunas, hot baths or underfloor heating. There are also factors that affect the muscle pumps hinder or switch them off, such as standing or sitting for long periods, wearing high heels and paralysis. Also important: venous disorders can also be hereditary be hereditary. So if members of your family already have similar symptoms, it is likely that you could also be affected.
Treating varicose veins - effective & pain-free
Now we come to the point: What helps against varicose veins? And is it even possible for varicose veins to recede? There are various ways to treat varicose veins. These include sclerotherapy, laser treatments and minimally invasive surgical procedures, which we will discuss in more detail later. However, conservative treatments and certain behavioral measures can also help against varicose veins. Special medications, including those made from natural extracts, support the strength of the vein walls as an additional therapeutic measure. Here is an overview of the most important treatment options:
- Medical compression stockings: The basic treatment for varicose veins combines wearing medical compression stockings with regular exercise. These stockings compress the overstretched veins, which improves the closing of the venous valves and promotes blood circulation to the heart. They keep existing venous disorders under control and prevent the development of new varicose veins. They also have an aesthetic benefit, as they conceal the varicose veins. Numerous studies also show that medical compression stockings significantly alleviate symptoms such as feelings of heaviness or tightness, pain and swelling, which improves quality of life.
- Natural substances: Substances such as horse chestnut also have an effect on the vein wall and can be useful as part of holistic vein therapy. Special skin care products can also support the treatment. Our tip: If you apply cream directly after showering while your skin is still slightly damp, the active ingredients will develop their positive properties particularly well.
- Medication supplementation: Unfortunately, there is no cure for varicose veins, but certain medications can usefully supplement the therapy. Venotonics activate the muscles in the vein wall and increase the elasticity of the vein, which accelerates the return flow of blood. Oedema protectors make the vascular walls less permeable and thus prevent excessive fluid accumulation in the tissue. Both types of medication reduce the feeling of tension and heaviness in the legs and support compression therapy.
- Lifestyle changes: Certain behaviors can help prevent varicose veins or alleviate the symptoms of existing varicose veins by relieving pressure on the veins and improving blood flow in the legs. It is important to avoid sitting and standing for long periods of time. Instead, it is better to move regularly. When sitting, do not cross your legs so as not to obstruct the blood flow. Excessive weight should also be avoided as it puts additional pressure on the veins.
- Helpful exercises: Foot and ankle exercises, such as moving your toes up and down or circling your feet, can be very helpful in relieving pressure on the veins and improving circulation. Our tip: also try to elevate your legs several times a day, ideally above heart level. This is because gravity has a supporting effect in this position, making it easier for blood to flow from the legs back to the heart. This helps to reduce the pressure in the veins and prevents blood from pooling in the legs.
Relieve varicose veins with acupressure
We now know that if you have varicose veins, it is important to see a doctor early and take appropriate treatment measures. Compression stockings, regular exercise and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting can help to alleviate the symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing. If you would like to become even more active, there are suitable exercises (see above) as well as the option of acupressure. You can even easily do this yourself at home, for example on an acupressure mat. With its numerous small points, it can also help relieve the symptoms of varicose veins by improving circulation and reducing swelling. The spikes on the mat exert pressure on specific points on the body, which leads to relaxation of the muscles and improved circulation. circulation.
And how do I use the acupressure mat for varicose veins?
This is very simple. Place the acupressure mat on a flat, comfortable surface. If you are using the acupressure mat for the first time, a thin layer of fabric (e.g. a towel) can help you to get used to the feeling of the tips. As a beginner it is best to lie down on a mat with lots of spikes so that the pressure is better distributed. Position yourself on the mat so that your legs are directly on the acupressure points. You can also wrap the mat around your calves or place your thighs on it. Now try to relax as much as possible and breathe in and out deeply. Stay in this position for five to ten minutes. This time can gradually be increased to up to 30 minutes, depending on how comfortable you feel. However, the frequency of use is definitely more important than the duration of use. Use the acupressure mat regularly, preferably daily, to achieve optimum results. Continuity is key to improving circulation in the long term and relieving the symptoms of varicose veins. Our tip: While using the acupressure mat, you can also elevate your legs slightly to further improve blood flow. For example, use a Pillow to put your legs in an elevated position. However, please be aware of this: If you are suffering from severe pain or significant discomfort, you should consult a doctor to obtain a comprehensive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
When is varicose vein surgery advisable?
The topic "What to do about varicose veins?" naturally also includes surgical procedures in addition to the conservative methods already mentioned. If your varicose veins are causing you pain, despite compression stockings, exercises, creams and medication, then it may be time to close the varicose veins or remove them completely. Of course, your doctor's assessment is crucial here. Surgery is advisable if varicose veins cause severe pain, significantly impair your quality of life or if there is a risk of complications such as thrombosis or ulcers. Varicose veins can be removed using various medical interventions, such as sclerotherapy, laser treatments or surgical procedures. These methods aim to improve blood flow by closing or removing the affected veins.
- Option: Closing veins
In intravenous or endovenous therapy, the veins are closed from the inside and remain in the body. These closed veins then no longer transport blood. Healing is usually faster than after an operation, meaning that those affected can return to their usual activities sooner. Although complications such as bruising, wound infections or sensory disturbances can occur, these are rarer than with surgical procedures. Endovenous therapy is therefore being used more and more frequently. There are two methods of vein occlusion: thermal ablation and sclerotherapy. In thermal ablation, the veins are sealed from the inside by heat using radio frequency or laser beams. In sclerotherapy, a liquid or foam is injected into the vein, which damages the inner vein wall and closes the vein.
- Option: Removing varicose veins
In surgical procedures, the affected veins are surgically removed. Two common procedures are crossectomy (vein stripping) and phlebectomy. In a crossectomy, the affected vein is closed in the groin or back of the knee and then pulled out, which is more suitable for larger veins. Phlebectomy, also known as the hook method, involves several small incisions along the affected vein. A hook is inserted to separate the vein into sections and remove it, which is more suitable for smaller veins. Important: These procedures can cause complications such as wound infections, bruising, nerve or lymph vessel damage and should therefore be carefully considered. Visible scars can also remain after such procedures and sometimes new varicose veins develop in the area. Of course, your doctor will explain the entire surgical procedure to you in detail.
This is how you can prevent varicose veins:
Finally, we would like to come back to the following question: How do varicose veins? Because only with this knowledge can we prevent varicose veins. The German Vein League has developed the easy-to-remember 3L-3S rule: "Better to walk and lie down than sit and stand". This is because alternately tensing and relaxing the leg muscles when walking and lying down significantly promotes vein function. Here are some tips to help you keep your venous system going in everyday life:
- Move more: Move as often as possible. Stairs instead of elevator, bike instead of car... You probably already know all the little ways you can get more exercise in your everyday life. If you do have to sit for a long time, you should regularly change your position and put your legs up. In the office, for example, you can get up once an hour and walk around for a few minutes.
- Special gymnastics: Plan ten minutes of vein gymnastics every day to activate your calf muscle pump. Exercises such as foot circles, heel lifts and bouncing on your toes are particularly effective. You can also try activities such as swimming or cycling, which strengthen your leg muscles and promote blood circulation.
- A healthy diet: Eat a conscious and balanced diet. A diet rich in fiber, fruit and vegetables supports vein function. And it also helps you to control your weight. Because every kilo you lose relieves the pressure on your veins and improves blood circulation.
- Comfortable clothing and shoes: Wear mainly comfortable and loose clothing, as jeans or pants that are too tight can restrict your blood flow. Also choose comfortable, flat shoes that support your calf muscle pump. High heels may look stylish, but they can restrict blood flow in the legs and should therefore only be worn rarely.
- Take a cold shower: Shower your legs regularly in cold water. The cold water causes the veins to contract, which improves blood flow to the heart. Start at your feet and slowly work your way up to your bottom.
- Avoid heat: If possible, avoid hot baths, underfloor heating and saunas. This is because heat causes the veins to expand, which makes it more difficult for the blood to return. If you want to visit the sauna from time to time, you should shower your legs with cold water afterwards.