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13.11.2018 15:30:32
Varicose veins do not look so pretty and they can cause uncomfortable discomfort. They can be removed with different methods. After that, the problem is not always going on for the rest of his life.
Bluish shimmering and gnarled they snake their legs up: Varicose veins are perceived by many as a beauty blemish. In fact, the altered leg veins can also cause health problems. Unlike spider veins, which are ugly but not dangerous. Venous problems are a folk disease: According to the German Vascular League, around 30 million people in Germany are affected by varicose veins or varicose veins. The lightest form are spider veins. This shows the veins on the skin finely ramified. "As a rule, they are more of a cosmetic problem," says Thomas Noppeney from the board of the German Society of Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine. In rare cases, spider veins cause discomfort.
Varicose veins, also known as varices in medical terminology - the word varix stands for knots - often do not cause any problems at first. However, that can change over time. The earlier the treatment, the better.
"Behind varicose veins hides a disease of the veins," explains Lothar Brümmer, senior physician of the Capio Mosel-Eifel-Klinik, a specialist clinic for venous diseases in Bad Bertrich (Rhineland-Palatinate). Veins carry blood to the heart, against gravity. There are valves in the veins to keep the blood from sinking down. If these valves no longer close properly, there is a build-up of blood in the legs. As a result, varicose veins form.
At a very early stage, the use of vein tablets can help. "These are non-prescription plant extracts," says Ursula Sellerberg of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists. The medications are taken over a longer period of time. "The effect usually only starts after a few weeks," says Sellerberg. In the pharmacy also venous ointments are available, which are applied locally to the varicose veins. But these ointments have a cooling, nourishing effect.
If tablets or ointments do not ease the symptoms or if the symptoms get worse, a specialist in phlebology or vascular surgery is required. If left untreated, it can not only cause leg pain, but also leg ulcers and thrombosis.
The doctor makes an ultrasound picture of the condition of the leg veins. Sometimes it is enough for the patient to wear compression stockings. They increase the transport capacity in the veins by an external stimulus. Small varicose veins can also be deserted. The doctor injects a sclerosing agent or a saline solution into the vein. As a result, the vessel sticks. Side effects are rare with this method.
If the varicose veins are larger, they will be sown with a special foam. This procedure can be used on most people. "If a hole in the heart wall is known or the patient suffers from migraine, should not be sclerosed with foam," Brümmer limits.
Another procedure is laser therapy. Laser beams heat the vein wall, causing the vessel to contract and close. "Laser therapy with a superficial on the skin varicose vein can lead to a brownish discoloration," says Brümmer. If the varicose veins are larger and more painful, the damaged vein sections are completely removed with so-called stripping. Whether and to what extent health insurance companies contribute to the costs of treatment should be clarified in advance.
"It's important to tell patients from the start that varicose veins can recur a few years after surgery," says Noppeney. This has something to do with the way of life. For example, those who for the most part stand or sit professionally run the risk of damaging the blood in their veins. Unfavorable also affects overweight.
A venous insufficiency can also be hereditary. Women are affected more often than men. "Why this is so far has not been scientifically proven," explains Noppeney.
If you want to prevent something against venous disease, you should frequently put your legs up - this will help to keep the blood flowing. "Even with constant sitting or standing, it is possible to move your feet again and again - this helps to prevent the blood from accumulating in the legs," says Sellerberg.
Exercising - such as walking, swimming or gymnastics - also supports the leg veins. After showering, it works well for the legs when they are brewed cold. Also important: drink a lot, about two liters a day, mostly water or unsweetened tea. This is not least good for the blood circulation.
