Varicose veins are often perceived as visually disturbing. However, the thickened veins can also cause pain and health problems such as thrombosis. Find out more about the other risks that may loom.
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What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins mainly affect the veins close to the skin on the legs. These are permanently dilated veins that run irregularly. Varicose veins are widespread, as reflected in the Bonn Vein Study : Around 14 percent of the 3072 subjects had varicose veins. Women are affected three times as often as men. The reason for this could be connective tissue weaknesses and the female hormone balance. Pregnancy is also a risk factor for varicose veins.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), around nine out of ten people have at least slight changes in the leg veins – this means spider veins, small dilated skin veins on the legs that shimmer through purple or green and are usually harmless.
Causes of varicose veins
In most cases, congenital vein weakness is the cause of varicose veins. They are caused by venous congestion, changes in the vein walls and vein valves that no longer function. In addition to the hereditary component, however, other factors such as age, activities in which you sit or stand for a long time, lack of exercise, low-fiber diet and tight-fitting clothing promote the development of varicose veins.
Varicose veins: These health risks can threaten
People with varicose veins usually feel tightness and swelling, pain, burning or itching in the legs. The symptoms can increase in the evening or in the warm season. Calf cramps , tingling and restless legs can occur at night .
Many people find their varicose veins visually disturbing, and the thickened veins are also not without health risks. The blood cannot flow properly through the thickened varicose veins. This can promote the development of thrombosis . Venous inflammation can be caused by or associated with thrombosis . This manifests itself as redness and warmth of the skin and pain (e.g. when walking or when tensing muscles). The inflamed vein can be felt as a pressure-sensitive and red strand. The danger of phlebitis: If deep-seated veins are affected, a blood clot can break loose and migrate from the leg vein into the lungs.
Varicose veins can burst
Varicose veins can rupture as a result of an injury, which can cause severe bleeding. In this case, quick action is required. Elevate your legs, if possible at heart level. Apply pressure to the wound with a compress or, if you don’t have one, with your hands. When the bleeding has stopped, apply a sterile dressing and pressure bandage. Consult a doctor immediately so that the wound can be treated professionally.
The bad news: vein problems do not go away on their own. On the contrary – because untreated varicose veins increase the suffering and can lead to serious secondary diseases. The skin can be overloaded and old blood deposits can accumulate in the skin. This manifests itself as dark discoloration, thinning skin or ulcers that cannot heal on their own.
Treating varicose veins – these options are available
If you have varicose veins, you should consult a specialist – a phlebologist – and have it clarified whether treatment is necessary and, if so, which one is suitable for you. Varicose veins can be removed surgically or sealed or sclerosed with heat.
Physical activity can relieve the symptoms. Endurance sports such as jogging, cycling and swimming are particularly recommended. A healthy and balanced diet rich in fiber, wearing compression stockings and special vein exercises, which promote blood flow in the legs upwards towards the heart, are also helpful tips.
