What are varicose veins. How do they develop. What are the symptoms of varicose veins. Can varicose veins be prevented. What treatments are available for varicose veins. How effective are compression stockings for varicose veins. What lifestyle changes can help manage varicose veins.

The Nature and Causes of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a common circulatory condition characterized by enlarged, twisted veins that are visible beneath the skin’s surface. They typically appear in the legs and feet due to the increased pressure on these lower extremities from standing and walking.

What causes varicose veins to develop? The primary cause is weakened or damaged valves within the veins. These valves are responsible for ensuring blood flows in one direction – towards the heart. When they malfunction, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins, causing them to enlarge and become varicose.

Risk Factors for Varicose Veins

Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing varicose veins:

• Age: As you get older, your veins lose elasticity, making them more prone to becoming varicose.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
• Genetics: If your family members have varicose veins, you’re more likely to develop them.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on your veins.
• Prolonged standing or sitting: This increases pressure on the veins in your legs.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Varicose Veins

How can you identify varicose veins? While the most obvious sign is the appearance of bulging, twisted veins, there are other symptoms to be aware of:

• Aching or heavy feeling in the legs
• Swelling in the lower legs and ankles
• Burning or throbbing sensations
• Muscle cramping and restless legs
• Itching around the affected veins
• Skin discoloration around the varicose veins

Do varicose veins always cause symptoms? Not necessarily. Many people with varicose veins may not experience any discomfort or complications. However, for those who do, the symptoms can range from mild to severe and may worsen over time if left untreated.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Changes for Managing Varicose Veins

While it’s not always possible to prevent varicose veins entirely, several lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk and manage existing varicose veins:

1. Regular exercise: Engaging in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can improve circulation and strengthen leg muscles.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional pressure on your veins, so maintaining a healthy BMI can help reduce this strain.
3. Avoid prolonged standing or sitting: If your job requires long periods of standing or sitting, take regular breaks to move around and elevate your legs when possible.
4. Elevate your legs: When resting, try to elevate your legs above heart level to assist blood flow back to the heart.
5. Wear compression stockings: These specially designed stockings can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.

Is it possible to completely prevent new varicose veins from developing? While these measures can certainly help, there’s limited evidence to suggest that they can entirely prevent new varicose veins from forming. However, they can significantly ease symptoms and slow the progression of existing varicose veins.

The Role of Compression Stockings in Managing Varicose Veins

Compression stockings play a crucial role in the management of varicose veins. These specially designed garments work by applying graduated pressure to your legs, with the highest pressure at the ankles and decreasing pressure as they move up the leg.

How do compression stockings help with varicose veins? They work in several ways:

• Improving blood flow: By squeezing the leg tissues and veins, they help push blood back towards the heart more efficiently.
• Reducing swelling: The pressure helps prevent fluid from accumulating in the tissues.
• Alleviating pain and discomfort: Many people find relief from aching and heaviness in their legs when wearing compression stockings.
• Preventing blood clots: By improving circulation, they can reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the legs.

Are compression stockings effective for everyone with varicose veins? While many people find relief with compression stockings, their effectiveness can vary from person to person. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends compression stockings as a long-term treatment only if other treatments are not suitable.

Choosing and Using Compression Stockings

Compression stockings come in various sizes, pressures, and styles. Most people with varicose veins are prescribed class 1 (light compression) or class 2 (medium compression) stockings. When using compression stockings:

• Put them on first thing in the morning before any swelling occurs
• Ensure they’re pulled up fully to provide the correct level of compression
• Remove them before going to bed
• Replace them every 3-6 months as they lose elasticity over time

If you experience discomfort or the stockings don’t seem to fit properly, consult your healthcare provider. Custom-made stockings may be an option for a better fit.

Medical Treatments for Varicose Veins

When lifestyle changes and compression stockings aren’t sufficient, various medical treatments are available for varicose veins. These are typically considered when varicose veins are causing significant symptoms or complications.

Endothermal Ablation

What is endothermal ablation? This minimally invasive procedure uses heat to seal off affected veins. A thin tube is inserted into the vein, and heat (either radiofrequency or laser energy) is applied to close the vein. The treated vein is eventually reabsorbed by the body, and blood flow is redirected to healthy veins.

Sclerotherapy

How does sclerotherapy work? This treatment involves injecting a special foam or solution directly into the varicose veins. The solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to collapse and eventually fade away. Sclerotherapy is particularly effective for smaller varicose veins and spider veins.

Ligation and Stripping

What does ligation and stripping involve? This surgical procedure involves tying off the affected vein (ligation) and removing it (stripping). While more invasive than other treatments, it can be effective for large varicose veins. However, it’s usually only recommended if other treatments haven’t been successful.

Are these treatments available on the NHS? Generally, these treatments are offered on the NHS only if you meet specific criteria, such as experiencing complications from your varicose veins or if they’re causing significant symptoms. Treatment for cosmetic reasons usually requires private payment.

Complications and When to Seek Medical Attention

While varicose veins are often a cosmetic concern, they can sometimes lead to more serious complications. It’s important to be aware of potential issues and know when to seek medical attention.

Potential Complications

• Bleeding: Varicose veins close to the skin can sometimes burst, causing minor bleeding.
• Ulcers: Painful ulcers can develop on the skin near varicose veins, particularly near the ankles.
• Blood clots: Superficial thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the vein) or deep vein thrombosis can occur.
• Chronic venous insufficiency: This condition can lead to skin changes and persistent swelling.

When should you seek medical attention for varicose veins? Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe and persistent pain or swelling in your legs
• Skin changes, such as discoloration or hardening of the skin around the varicose veins
• Open sores or bleeding from varicose veins
• Sudden swelling of the leg

Early intervention can help prevent more serious complications and improve your overall quality of life.

Living with Varicose Veins: Coping Strategies and Support

Living with varicose veins can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. However, there are several strategies you can employ to manage your condition effectively and maintain a good quality of life.

Pain Management

How can you manage pain associated with varicose veins? Try these strategies:

• Regular exercise to improve circulation
• Elevating your legs when resting
• Using cold or warm compresses
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your doctor

Skin Care

Proper skin care is crucial when you have varicose veins. Keep your skin moisturized to prevent dryness and itching. If you develop any skin changes or ulcers, seek medical attention promptly.

Emotional Support

The appearance of varicose veins can affect self-esteem and body image. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or support groups. If you’re struggling with the emotional impact, consider speaking with a mental health professional.

Ongoing Monitoring

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Keep track of any changes in your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor.

Living with varicose veins may require some lifestyle adjustments, but with proper management and support, most people can lead active, healthy lives. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there are numerous resources and treatments available to help you manage your condition effectively.

Varicose veins – Illnesses & conditions

For most people, varicose veins don’t present a serious health problem. They may have an unpleasant appearance, but should not affect circulation or cause long-term health problems.

Most varicose veins don’t require any treatment, but if treatment is necessary, your doctor may first recommend up to six months of self care at home, including:

• using compression stockings
• taking regular exercise
• avoiding standing up for long periods
• elevating the affected area when resting

Surgical treatments may be offered if you have:

• venous pigmentation, varicose eczema or ulceration
• had episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis requiring treatment with low molecular weight heparin, or were found by an ultrasound scan
• experienced a haemorrhage from a varicose vein

If you meet the criteria for referral to see a vascular specialist (a doctor who specialises in veins), varicose veins can be treated in several ways, the most common being:

• endothermal ablation – treatment where heat is used to seal affected veins
• sclerotherapy – this uses special foam to close the veins
• ligation and stripping – this involves surgery to remove the affected veins

It’s unlikely you’ll receive varicose veins treatment on the NHS for cosmetic reasons – you’ll have to pay for this privately.

Read more about treating varicose veins and complications of varicose veins.

Preventing varicose veins

There is little evidence to suggest you can stop varicose veins getting worse, or completely prevent new ones developing.

However, there are ways to ease symptoms of existing varicose veins, such as:

• avoiding standing or sitting still for long periods and trying to move around every 30 minutes
• taking regular breaks throughout the day, raising the legs on pillows while resting to ease discomfort
• exercising regularly – this can improve circulation and help maintain a healthy weight

Compression stockings

Compression stockings are specially designed to steadily squeeze your legs to improve circulation. They are often tightest at the ankle and get gradually looser as they go further up your leg. This encourages blood to flow upwards towards your heart.

Compression stockings may help relieve the pain, discomfort and swelling in your legs caused by your varicose veins. However, it’s not known whether the stockings help prevent your varicose veins getting worse, or if they prevent new varicose veins appearing.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) only recommends using compression stockings as a long-term treatment for varicose veins if all other treatments are not suitable for you.

If you are pregnant and you have varicose veins, NICE says you may be offered compression stockings for the duration of your pregnancy.

Compression stockings are available in a variety of different sizes and pressures. Most people with varicose veins will be prescribed a class 1 (light compression) or class 2 (medium compression) stocking. They are also available in:

• different colours
• different lengths – some come up to your knee, while others also cover your thigh
• different foot styles – some cover your whole foot and some stop before your toes

Compression tights are also available, but not on the NHS. They can be bought from pharmacies or directly from the manufacturers.

You may need to wear compression stockings for the rest of your life if you have deep venous incompetence. Deep venous incompetence is where you have problems with the valves, or blockages, in the deep veins in your legs.

In these circumstances, you will need to wear compression stockings even if you have had surgery to treat some varicose veins.

Wearing compression stockings

You usually need to put your compression stockings on as soon as you get up in the morning and take them off when you go to bed.

They can be uncomfortable, particularly during hot weather, but it’s important to wear your stockings correctly to get the most benefit from them.

Pull them all the way up so the correct level of compression is applied to each part of your leg. Don’t let the stocking roll down, or it may dig into your skin in a tight band around your leg.

Speak to your GP if the stockings are uncomfortable or don’t seem to fit. It may be possible to get custom-made stockings that will fit you exactly.

If custom-made compression stockings are recommended, your legs will need to be measured in several places to ensure they are the correct size. If your legs are often swollen, they should be measured in the morning, when any swelling is likely to be minimal.

If compression stockings are causing the skin on your legs to become dry, try applying a moisturising cream (emollient) before you go to bed to keep your skin moist.

You should also keep an eye out for sore marks on your legs, as well as blisters and discolouration.

Caring for compression stockings

Compression stockings usually have to be replaced every three to six months. If your stockings become damaged, speak to your GP because they may no longer be effective.

You should be prescribed two stockings (or two sets of stockings if you are wearing one on each leg) so that one stocking can be worn while the other is being washed and dried. Compression stockings should be hand washed in warm water and dried away from direct heat.

Further treatment

If your varicose veins meet the requirements for further treatment, the type of treatment will depend on:

• your general health
• the size of your varicose veins
• the position of your varicose veins
• the severity of your varicose veins

A vascular specialist (a doctor who specialises in veins) will be able to advise you about the most suitable form of treatment for you.

Endothermal ablation

One of the first treatments offered will usually be endothermal ablation. This involves using energy either from high-frequency radio waves (radiofrequency ablation) or lasers (endovenous laser treatment) to seal the affected veins.

These treatments are described in more detail below.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation involves heating the wall of your varicose vein using radiofrequency energy. The vein is accessed through a small cut made just above or below the knee.

A narrow tube called a catheter is guided into the vein using an ultrasound scan. A probe is inserted into the catheter that sends out radiofrequency energy.

This heats the vein until its walls collapse, closing it and sealing it shut. Once the vein has been sealed shut, your blood will naturally be redirected to one of your healthy veins.

Radiofrequency ablation can be carried out under either local anaesthetic (you are awake) or general anaesthetic (you are asleep). The procedure may cause some short-term side effects, such as pins and needles (paraesthesia).

You may need to wear compression stockings for up to a week after having radiofrequency ablation.

Endovenous laser treatment

As with radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser treatment involves having a catheter inserted into your vein and using an ultrasound scan to guide it into the correct position. A tiny laser is passed through the catheter and positioned at the top of your varicose vein.

The laser delivers short bursts of energy that heat up the vein and seal it closed. The laser is slowly pulled along the vein using the ultrasound scan to guide it, allowing the entire length of the vein to be closed.

Endovenous laser treatment can be carried out under local or general anaesthetic. After the procedure you may feel some tightness in your legs, and the affected areas may be bruised and painful. Nerve injury is also possible, but it’s usually only temporary.

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy

If endothermal ablation treatment is unsuitable for you, you’ll usually be offered a treatment called sclerotherapy instead.

This treatment involves injecting special foam into your veins. The foam scars the veins, which seals them closed. This type of treatment may not be suitable if you have previously had deep vein thrombosis.

The injection is guided to the vein using an ultrasound scan. It’s possible to treat more than one vein in the same session.  Both standard sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy are usually carried out under local anaesthetic, where a painkilling medication will be used to numb the area being treated.

After sclerotherapy, your varicose veins should begin to fade after a few weeks as stronger veins take over the role of the damaged vein, which is no longer filled with blood. You may require treatment more than once before the vein fades, and there is a chance the vein may reappear.

Although sclerotherapy has proven to be effective, it’s not yet known how effective foam sclerotherapy is in the long term. NICE found, on average, the treatment was effective in 84 out of 100 cases. However, in one study, the varicose veins returned in more than half of those treated.

Sclerotherapy can also cause side effects, including:

• blood clots in other leg veins
• headaches
• lower back pain
• changes to skin colour – for example, brown patches over where the treated veins were
• fainting
• temporary vision problems

You should be able to walk and return to work immediately after having sclerotherapy. You will need to wear compression stockings or bandages for up to a week. 

In rare cases, sclerotherapy has been known to have serious potential complications, such as strokes or transient ischaemic attacks.

Surgery

If endothermal ablation treatments and sclerotherapy are unsuitable for you, you may be offered a surgical procedure called ligation and stripping to remove the affected veins.

Varicose vein surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you will be unconscious during the procedure.

You can usually go home the same day, but an overnight stay in hospital is sometimes necessary, particularly if you are having surgery on both legs.

Ligation and stripping

Most surgeons use a technique called ligation and stripping, which involves tying off the vein in the affected leg and then removing it.

Two small incisions are made, approximately 5cm (2in) in diameter. The first cut is made near your groin at the top of the varicose vein. The second cut is made further down your leg, usually around your knee or ankle. The top of the vein (near your groin) is tied up and sealed.

A thin, flexible wire is passed through the bottom of the vein and then carefully pulled out and removed through the lower cut in your leg. 

The blood flow in your legs will not be affected by the surgery. This is because the veins situated deep within your legs will take over the role of the damaged veins.

Ligation and stripping can cause pain, bruising and bleeding. More serious complications are rare, but could include nerve damage or deep vein thrombosis, which is where a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of the body.

After the procedure, you may need up to three weeks to recover before returning to work, although this depends on your general health and the type of work you do. You may need to wear compression stockings for up to a week after surgery.

Varicose veins – NHS

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs and feet. They may be blue or dark purple, and are often lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance.

Other symptoms include:

• aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs
• swollen feet and ankles
• burning or throbbing in your legs
• muscle cramp in your legs, particularly at night
• dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein

The symptoms are usually worse during warm weather or if you’ve been standing up for long periods of time. They may improve when you walk around or if you rest and raise your legs.

When to see a GP

If you have varicose veins and they do not cause you any discomfort, you may not need to visit a GP.

Varicose veins are rarely a serious condition and do not usually require treatment.

But speak to a GP if:

• your varicose veins are causing you pain or discomfort
• the skin over your veins is sore and irritated
• the aching in your legs is causing irritation at night and disturbing your sleep

The GP can diagnose varicose veins based on these symptoms, although further tests may be carried out.

Read about diagnosing varicose veins.

Causes of varicose veins

Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly.

In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to the heart. The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through.

If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be swollen and enlarged (varicose).

Certain things can increase your chances of developing varicose veins, such as:

• being female
• having a close family member with varicose veins
• being older
• being overweight
• having a job that involves long periods of standing
• being pregnant
• other conditions

Read about the causes of varicose veins.

Treating varicose veins

If treatment is necessary, your doctor may first recommend using compression stockings, taking regular exercise and elevating the affected area when resting.

If your varicose veins are still causing you pain or discomfort, or they cause complications, they can be treated in several ways.

The most common treatment options include:

• endothermal ablation – where heat is used to seal affected veins
• sclerotherapy – this uses special foam to close the veins
• ligation and stripping – the affected veins are surgically removed

It’s unlikely you’ll receive treatment on the NHS for cosmetic reasons – you’ll have to pay for cosmetic treatment privately.

If you do feel you require treatment, it might help if you print out treatment options for varicose veins to discuss with the GP.

Read about:

Treating varicose veins 

Complications of varicose veins

Preventing varicose veins

There’s little evidence to suggest you can stop varicose veins getting worse or completely stop new ones developing.

But there are ways to ease symptoms of existing varicose veins, such as:

• avoiding standing or sitting still for long periods and trying to move around every 30 minutes
• taking regular breaks throughout the day, raising the legs on pillows while resting to ease discomfort
• exercising regularly – this can improve circulation and help maintain a healthy weight

Types of varicose veins

There are several types of varicose veins, such as:

• trunk varicose veins – these are near to the surface of the skin and are thick and knobbly; they’re often long and can look unpleasant
• reticular varicose veins – these are red and sometimes grouped close together in a network
• telangiectasia varicose veins – also known as thread veins or spider veins, these are small clusters of blue or red veins that sometimes appear on your face or legs; they’re harmless and, unlike trunk varicose veins, do not bulge underneath the surface of the skin

Page last reviewed: 07 May 2020
Next review due: 07 May 2023

Protruding veins on the legs: what to do?

Leg veins are not just a cosmetic defect. This is a clear sign of varicose veins, causing serious discomfort. Do not leave protruding veins unattended, contact a phlebologist in time and start treatment!

Why do veins appear on the legs?

Before we answer this question, let’s clarify what kind of veins are on the legs. In the thickness of the muscles there are vessels, which are called deep. Superficial veins run closer to the skin. It can be conditionally said that the main work of blood transfer is performed by deep veins, and superficial ones “help” them.

Blood flows through the veins from bottom to top, that is, overcoming the force of gravity. This movement is provided by the work of the muscles – they act as a kind of pump (doctors even talk about the so-called “peripheral heart”). And so that the blood does not flow back down, there are special valves in the walls of the veins that close the lumen.

If a person constantly experiences static loads (for example, works in a standing or sitting position without changing it), blood stagnation occurs in the veins, its walls stretch, and the valves of the veins no longer close tightly. The blood partially begins to flow back, stretching the vascular wall even more, the vein expands and becomes clearly visible under the skin. Many people pay attention to the fact that the vein on the leg protrudes, and only then think about contacting a specialist.

In addition to static loads, factors that cause the development of varicose veins include taking hormonal drugs, pregnancy, childbirth, weight lifting, heredity, and others.

Pain in the veins

We found out that the causes of the appearance of veins in the legs are stretching of their walls. But the consequences of varicose veins can be very different: as a result of the fact that leukocytes are activated, inflammation begins on the inner wall of the vein, tissue nutrition is disrupted, and at a later stage, blood clots may begin to form.

Patients often complain that protruding veins hurt. Unfortunately, we can simply ignore the first manifestations of this symptom and start sounding the alarm even when the pain brings severe discomfort. The veins hurt because of overstretching: after all, it irritates the receptors located on the inner wall of the vessel. When the disease reaches a serious stage, discomfort is intensified due to compression of the nerves that run next to the veins.

Dilated veins must be treated, as this disease cannot go away on its own.

What to do if veins appear on the legs?

The answer to this question is unambiguous and simple: contact a phlebologist. Only a doctor who treats veins can conduct a detailed examination, correctly assess the patient’s condition and prescribe treatment, the main task of which is to remove the affected veins.

The most gentle treatment option for the patient is sclerotherapy, a non-surgical method that involves the introduction of a special preparation of sclerosant into the lumen of the vein, which leads to the closure of the vessel. The use of radiofrequency, laser therapy leads to the same result, in some cases surgical intervention is necessary. The optimal method of treatment is always chosen by the doctor, depending on the initial condition of the patient.

Specialists of the “Center of Phlebology” often answer questions from patients related to the fact that veins protrude on the legs. We list the most frequently asked questions here:

Varicose veins of the lower extremities

Content:

1. Varicose veins of the lower extremities – what is it?
2. Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities
3. Causes and risk factors of varicose veins of the lower extremities
4. Stages of disease
5. Diagnosis of varicose veins of the lower extremities
6. Complications of varicose veins
7. Treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities
8. Prophylaxis
9. Frequently asked questions of our patients on the Internet

Varicose veins of the lower extremities – what is it?

Varicose veins of the lower extremities – what is it? Why does it appear suddenly and progress so quickly? Today, it is considered a common condition in which there is an abnormal enlargement of veins that are visible through the skin and resemble blue or purple knots. Varicose veins are a pathology that can occur in any part of the body, but is more common on the legs.

This is how varicose veins appear on the legs

Below are the most common signs of the disease. However, each person can only notice a few of them.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities. Symptoms:

• skin discoloration from light blue to brown
• rash
• Feeling of heaviness and burning in the legs
• itching, especially in the lower leg
• throbbing pain in the legs
• feeling of dryness

All signs may resemble other diseases, so always consult a specialist and do not try to remove varicose veins of the lower extremities yourself. Treatment with folk methods can aggravate the situation.

Causes of varicose veins and risk factors?

The blood vessels in the body provide a channel for the flow of blood. From the point of view of the blood vessels of the lower extremities, the arteries carry high-pressure, oxygenated blood from the heart to the lower extremities. Veins therefore have thinner and less elastic walls than arteries. If pressure rises in the veins for any reason for a long period of time, this can be the main cause of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Also, the disease contributes to a malfunction or damage to the valves that help push blood up.

Valve function in normal and varicose veins

About 30% of adults worldwide suffer from the disease. The risk is highly dependent on age and gender. The risk factors are listed below:

• Obesity. Obesity is the main risk factor for the development of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Excessive weight increases pressure in the veins and aggravates their condition.
• Heredity. Heredity plays an important role in determining susceptibility to varicose veins, but specific factors responsible for this have not been identified.
• Inactivity. Prolonged inactivity or vice versa increased activity increase the pressure in the veins.
• Pos. Women are especially susceptible to varicose veins of the lower extremities due to the effect of progesterone on the veins, as well as the consequences of pregnancy. Women have a 3 times higher risk for the disease.
• Pregnancy. Varicose veins of the lower extremities during pregnancy occur due to hormonal influences. However, often enlarged veins return to normal within one year after delivery. Varicose veins of the small pelvis can also be observed.
• Age. Varicose veins of the lower extremities usually affect people between the ages of 30 and 70. With age, the elastic lining of the vein begins to weaken, which increases the chances for vein enlargement.

A risk factor is anything that can increase a person’s chances of developing a disease. It can be activities such as smoking, dieting and many other reasons.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities – stages

1. First. Spider veins appear;
2. Second. Nodules are visible;
3. Third. Added swelling of the legs;
4. Fourth. Skin color becomes darker, almost purple;
5. Fifth and sixth. Ulcers form, which as a result may not heal.

This is what stage II varicose veins look like

Lower extremity varicose veins – diagnosis :

• Duplex scanning is a type of procedure that assesses the blood flow and structure of the veins in the legs.
• Triplex ultrasound is a procedure similar to duplex ultrasound that uses color to highlight the direction of blood flow.
• Magnetic resonance phlebography (MRF) is a diagnostic procedure that uses magnetic resonance technology and intravenous contrast to visualize veins.

Diagnosis of varicose veins of the lower extremities is performed with the patient standing

Diagnosis is needed so that the doctor can prescribe the most appropriate treatment for the patient.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities – complications

If you do not treat varicose veins in the legs, in the future there may be big problems, both with the veins and with the skin of the legs.

• Trophic ulcers.
• Phlebitis – inflammation of the veins.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs. This complication can be fatal.

As a result, the disease can lead to significant discomfort and even disability, depending on any basic tasks and severity. Some of these complications can be very life-threatening.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities – treatment in Moscow

How will the doctor remove varicose veins of the lower extremities? Treatment (Moscow gives many opportunities for him) will be determined by the doctor based on age, general health and stage of the disease.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities – medical treatment

It is not always necessary, but if you are worried about pain, ulcers or just discomfort, then, as a rule, you need to go to the hospital. But do not forget about the complications, some of which lead to death, therefore, in order not to worsen the general condition, do not ignore the treatment and seek medical help if you have varicose veins of the lower extremities. Conservative treatment and its essence will be explained by the doctor.

One of the most popular venotonic drugs

Varicose veins of the lower extremities, treatment. Operation?

Do not panic if you are diagnosed with varicose veins of the lower extremities. Sclerotherapy may help. This procedure is based on the fact that a special solution is used, which is injected into varicose veins. Quite quickly disappears varicose veins of the lower extremities. Sclerotherapy treatment is suitable for the treatment of small veins such as spider veins. Are you afraid of the knife? You can remove varicose veins of the lower extremities (treatment without surgery). You just need to find a decent doctor.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities. Laser treatment in Moscow

Life does not end if you have varicose veins of the lower extremities. Laser treatment will help. The doctor inserts a tiny fiber into the varicose veins through a catheter. The fiber sends energy that destroys the affected part.

This is a tiny laser fiber that completely eliminates varicose veins

Do varicose veins of the lower extremities remain? Laser treatment, which may seem expensive to you, is very effective, so the answer is no. Not every patient is worried if he has varicose veins of the lower extremities. However, laser treatment leaves only positive reviews. With it, varicose veins of the lower extremities will be defeated! Laser treatment (you can find out the cost at the clinic from the administrator) is short and inexpensive.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities. Radiofrequency treatment

What if you have severe varicose veins in your lower extremities? RFA treatment in Moscow is the safest method, which involves heating the venous wall with radiofrequency energy. Varicose veins of the lower extremities disappear irrevocably. RFA treatment is very convenient.

Can varicose veins of the lower extremities be quickly eliminated? RFO treatment in Moscow will convince you of a quick effect. You will remove varicose veins of the lower extremities. Treatment of RFO is done at the highest level. Look at the photo and the results – make sure the procedure is effective.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities – treatment after surgery

Surgery . The operation is performed only under general anesthesia and is based on small incisions through which the nodules will be removed. There will be some inconvenience and physical limitations after the operation. If you can choose a method of treating varicose veins without surgery, rehabilitation will be faster.

Innovative treatment will allow you to quickly get rid of unsightly enlarged veins that interfere so much in everyday life.

How to treat varicose veins of the lower extremities with ointments

Today, modern drugs can surprise with their effectiveness and quick results, however, nothing should be done without a doctor’s advice.

• Anti-varicose foot cream – relaxes and relieves pain. Strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
• Heparin – thins the blood, helps to reduce the formation of blood clots.
• Lyoton 1000 – relieves swelling, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, but does not completely remove varicose veins of the lower extremities. Treatment (the cost of Lyoton is more than that of other creams) in this way is still incomplete.

Of course, the easiest way is to go to a pharmacy and start treatment yourself, however, you should not console yourself with hopes that an ointment or gel will provide you with reliable treatment and will not cause complications. Consult a doctor and do not engage in self-deception.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities – treatment at home

How unpleasant varicose veins of the lower extremities! Treatment with folk remedies is used by our grandmothers to this day, and, knowing the effect of medicinal herbs, you can relieve symptoms and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. But do not flatter yourself – seriously varicose veins of the lower extremities, treatment, price, results – everything is interconnected.

• Horse chestnut. Dried flowers (50 g) pour vodka (500 ml). Let it brew for 20-21 days and take it orally, before meals, 25-30 drops 2 times a day.
• Garlic ointment. We make a slurry of garlic and butter. We rub before going to bed.
• Apple cider vinegar. 2 tsp diluted in 200 ml of water. We take before meals. This tool has good reviews.

It is important to know that varicose veins of the lower extremities (prices, photos, results are available online) cannot be completely removed with herbs.

How to cure varicose veins permanently?

Unfortunately, if you start the disease, both you and the doctor will have to work hard to forget about varicose veins in the legs. In the first stage, the disease lends itself well to any method of treatment, but the later stages can upset you. You should not think about how to treat varicose veins of the lower extremities at home. Contact our center and you will be prescribed the right treatment, thanks to which you can get the desired result.

All you need to do is take better care of your health and take basic preventive measures.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities – prevention

Follow the rules of prevention to prevent varicose veins of the legs.

The main ones are:

• Do not overload yourself with heavy physical work;
• Pay attention to your weight and diet if necessary;
• Avoid tight shoes;
• Exercise your legs regularly.

Do not forget that an active lifestyle is a guarantee of health for many years.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities – results

Modern medicine has long “stepped” forward. Seeing a doctor at the first signs of a disease is the right action, because self-medication can ruin your health, which will be difficult to restore.

Frequently asked questions of our patients on the Internet

How to deal with varicose veins in the legs? Interested in Daria from Saratov:

Dear Daria! Fighting varicose veins in the legs is necessary with the help of good specialists. No matter how promising and colorful sites with guides and tips on self-medication, remember, they are written by people who are far from medicine.

How to check legs for varicose veins? Asks Svetlana from Kazan:

Dear Svetlana! A qualitative check of the legs for the presence of varicose veins, as a rule, will only be possible in a clinic or medical center specializing in the treatment of veins.

How to diagnose varicose veins? Interested in Love from Stavropol:

Dear Love! You can diagnose legs for varicose veins at the consultation of any of our phlebologists with an ultrasound duplex scan of the venous system.