Have a varicose vein removed
Veins are blood vessels that are supposed to transport the used, deoxygenated blood back to the heart against the force of gravity. To fulfil this task, vein valves are built into the veins to prevent the blood pumped towards the heart from flowing back again.
A number of factors lead to the fact that the Veins expand and then take the form of Varicose veins or Spider veins become visible externally. The causes for the appearance of varicose veins must be clarified by a doctor in any case, as they can be signs of more serious diseases.
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Varicose veins - causes, symptoms and treatment options
The task of the veins in the blood circulation is to collect the oxygen-poor blood in the muscles, skin and bones and transport it towards the heart. In the process, the venous valves prevent the blood from flowing back again. From the heart, the oxygen-rich blood is returned through the arteries. If the venous valves no longer function, the blood flows back partially and leads to overpressure of the leg vein system.
Nodular dilations of the superficial veins, which mainly occur on the legs, are called varicose veins or varicose veins.
What are the causes of varicose veins?
The most common cause for the formation of varicose veins is an inherited weakness of the connective tissue, which is associated with a weakening of the vein wall and the venous valves. This leads to a disturbed return flow of blood into the deep veins.
Varicose veins are mainly caused by heredity, obesity, standing for long periods of time, too little exercise and pregnancy. As a preliminary stage of weak veins, bluish-red venous patches often appear on the upper and lower legs (spider veins), which are mainly perceived as cosmetically disturbing.
Symptoms of venous disease:
- Increased appearance of spider veins
- visible varicose veins
- stabbing or pulling pain
- Swelling or oedema in the ankle area
- heavy legs
- Calf cramps, especially at night
- Itching and dark discolouration of the lower legs
Such complaints should always be clarified by an experienced vein specialist. In Dr. Orasche's practice you will find competent advice, state-of-the-art treatment methods and an experienced team.
If venous disease persists without adequate varicose vein treatment, there is a risk of phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis or open leg.
What complaints and complications can occur?
The varicose veins themselves do not initially cause any symptoms. However, the associated blood circulation disorder can cause swelling of the legs, which is noticeable with a feeling of tension, muscle cramps, hardening of the calf or heavy, tired legs. Varicose veins can lead to painful inflammation (phlebitis). This often leads to the formation of blood clots that can develop into thrombosis in the deep veins. If the blood clot detaches there, it can cause a pulmonary embolism. Chronic venous insufficiency, in its advanced stages, can manifest itself in wounds on the lower legs, the so-called open legs (ulcus cruris).
Examination methods:
Anamnesis, diagnostics by means of ultrasound
Removing varicose veins - what are the treatment options?
- Sclerotherapy (sclerotherapy)
- Laser therapy
- Radiofrequency therapy
- VNUS Closure System
- Operation
- Compression treatment
Sclerotherapy:
Low-risk sclerotherapy is suitable for side branch and spider vein varicose veins. A truncal varicosis can also be treated with foam sclerotherapy, but there is a high recurrence rate. A sclerosing agent is injected into the varicose vein to cause an artificial inflammation of the vein, which leads to a transformation of the varicose vein.
VNUS - Closure System:
This minimally invasive procedure, which can be performed on an outpatient basis, is a modern alternative to vein stripping. After administering a local anaesthetic, a small incision is made in the vein and then a radiosonde is inserted. Heating to 85 degrees causes the vein wall to contract and close. After the probe is pulled out, the small wound is glued. The wall of the vein turns into scar tissue, which is broken down by the body itself. A special compression stocking must be worn for three weeks.
Operation:
The Crossectomy is the most traditional inpatient treatment method. The diseased vein and all secondary branches are cut off and severed.
Under the Stripping is the removal of the diseased vein with the help of a probe. Stripping can also be done from the outside (external phlebectomy).
Compression treatment:
If surgery cannot be performed for medical reasons, compression stockings can be used to relieve the symptoms.
Radio frequency / laser treatment:
This procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to stripping, in which the diseased vein is sealed from the inside. This involves heating the vein wall, which shrinks the vessel and seals the inside of the vein walls. The blood flow is directed through a healthy vein.
Frequently asked questions about varicose veins
How can you strengthen the veins?
- Drink enough: 2 litres of water or herbal tea
- Movement - little sitting and standing
- Avoid obesity - high-fibre diet
- Do not wear tight clothing (leggings)
- Shoes with slightly raised heels
- cold showers, Kneipp treatments, avoidance of heat and sun
- Raise your legs more often
Are there any dietary supplements that help?
- Drinking buckwheat tea - protects the vessels
- Apply horse chestnut gel or apple cider vinegar
- Lots of vitamin C, magnesium, enzymes
- Ginger, garlic - anti-inflammatory
- OPC (grape seed extract) improves blood circulation
- organic silicon - provides more elasticity
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