What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted blood vessels that appear just under the skin’s surface in the lower body. They occur when the walls of your veins are weak and your valves don’t function properly. As a result, blood accumulates in the veins, leading to blue and purple bulges on your ankles, feet, or legs.
While more prevalent in women, varicose veins can also affect men. Understanding risk factors such as age, genetics, pregnancy, obesity, and extended periods of standing or sitting can help you identify susceptibility to varicose veins.
Signs and symptoms of varicose veins include gnarled, blue, or purple veins just beneath the skin surface. I may be painful, aching, and cause a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Other symptoms may include itching, swelling, and changes in skin color. Although in most cases these are only aesthetic concerns and don’t cause health issues, they could develop into severe conditions in serious cases, leading to ulcers, blood clots, and even bleeding.
Prevention
There are a couple of things that slow the progression or even prevent the occurrence of varicose veins:
- Physical activities: Exercise regularly and engage in low-impact activities like walking to improve blood circulation in your legs. If you are unsure how to start or which activities suit you, our dedicated team of physical therapists is always ready to provide expert advice and support.
- Healthy weight and diet: Maintaining healthy body weight and following a diet rich in fiber and low in salt helps prevent pressure on the veins, reduce water retention, and alleviate constipation. Our dietitian is happy to help you find the best meal plan for you.
- Leg elevation: Incorporating regular breaks throughout the day to elevate your legs above heart level is a simple action that can be easily integrated into your daily routine.
- Appropriate footwear: Wear low-heeled shoes to tone the calf muscles, which aids blood circulation.
- Avoid tight clothing: Choose loose-fitting garments, particularly around the waist, legs, and groin area, to prevent blood flow constriction. However, special compression socks or stockings (described below) benefit blood circulation in the problematic body parts.
- Mindful sitting: Keep both legs on the ground with the proper support, such as a footrest or cushion. Sitting with your legs crossed for extended periods can hinder circulation.
Taking these preventive measures helps prevent varicose veins and improves overall health. You may consider medical treatment if you have tried to avoid varicose veins, but they still appear. The good news is that multiple treatment options are available to manage them effectively.
Comprehensive Varicose Veins Treatment
At FirstMed, we offer effective treatment options and personalized care for varicose veins, depending on their severity. Take a look at the treatment methods listed below and discuss your unique situation and preferences with your doctor to choose the best option.
Compression therapy
The doctor may recommend special suppression garments, ranging from compression socks to full-length stockings. These medical aids exert graduated pressure on the legs to improve blood circulation. Wearing compression stockings reduces the appearance of varicose veins and relieves painful symptoms in many patients.
Medicinal injections (sclerotherapy)
Sclerotherapy is a short, 15-30-minute procedure in which our vascular medicine specialist injects a sclerosing agent (a salt solution) into the affected veins, leading to their closure. After the chemical is injected, you will need to walk around without pause for about 20 minutes. The area must be kept dry and under compression bandaging for two days.
The treatment is relatively complications-free, but you may experience mild bruising, itching, and redness in the first 48 hours. Often, more than one appointment is necessary for complete treatment.
Dr. Ervin Bács, our experienced, English-speaking vascular and general surgeon, can perform sclerotherapy at our clinic on an outpatient basis without a hospital stay.
Surgical intervention
In cases of advanced varicose veins, removal by surgery or laser treatment may be recommended. These are more invasive procedures that can be carried out in a hospital environment. We may connect you with our external partner institutions, where the treatment can be performed.
Get in Touch
Explore our comprehensive and personalized approach to treating varicose veins. Book a consultation to discuss the benefits of each treatment and choose the most suitable for your condition and individual preferences.
What our Patients Say
“This summer, things will be different. I will happily wear shorts and skirts with bare legs, rather than trousers. Not because I’ve lost weight, but because I’ve had my varicose veins treated.” (Simona T.)
This is just one of the many success stories we’ve heard from our patients who have undergone treatment for varicose veins. Their experiences can serve as inspiration and reassurance for those considering treatment.
Request varicose veins treatment with Ervin Bács, our vascular veins specialist at FirstMed to experience relief and reclaim the health and appearance of your legs.
