Varicose veins and varicose veins

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Terms such as varices, varicose veins, varicose veins and varicose veins refer to the superficial veins of the leg. The varicose veins in the subcutaneous tissue, in which the blood accumulates, are called varicose veins. The very small skin veins, on the other hand, are called blue spider veins. These are not real varicose veins. Varicose veins, varicose veins are the other, larger, originally slender veins. The varicose veins are swollen, stretched out veins caused by the blood congestion. If there are a lot of varices and varicose veins, then we are talking about varicose veins. The individual varicose veins are larger, tortuous, sometimes painful and inflamed veins. The slower flow of blood in the varicose veins and varicose veins can then come to a complete standstill and the blood can clot. A superficial thrombosis of the varicose veins and varicose veins develops, which is called thrombophlebitis.

Symptoms of varicose veins

Heavy legs with varicose veins

Some people only have mild discomfort, others feel their legs extremely heavy, especially when standing, traveling or sitting for long periods. Heavy legs and swelling are common complaints with varicose veins. They arise because the blood in the veins can no longer flow properly back to the heart due to the defective venous valves and builds up in the legs. This leads to a feeling of heaviness, tension or tiredness in the legs, especially after standing or sitting for long periods of time. The swelling is most often seen on the ankles or calves and can be painful. These symptoms may worsen in warm weather, during pregnancy, or before menstruation.

swelling of the feet

Foot swelling from varicose veins is a common symptom caused by the accumulation of fluid in the tissues. This happens because the venous valves that regulate blood flow to the heart no longer function properly and the blood accumulates in the veins. This increases the pressure in the vessels and the fluid leaks out of the veins into the surrounding tissue.

Foot swelling can lead to symptoms such as pain, tightness, itching or skin discoloration. The swelling is usually seen in the ankles or calves and may worsen in warm weather, during pregnancy, or before menstruation.

To relieve foot swelling, you can take the following measures:

Elevate your legs more often, especially at night. This helps drain blood from the veins.
Wear compression stockings that apply gentle pressure to the veins and push blood back to the heart.
Exercise regularly to promote blood circulation in the legs. Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.
Cool your legs with kaletem Water or ice packs to reduce swelling.
Gently massage your legs from bottom to top to relieve strain on the veins.

Pain

The part of the word "spasm" already indicates that the greatly expanded, congested, diseased and inflamed veins can cause cramp-like, oppressive, throbbing pain. The varicose veins are particularly painful when the individual varicose veins become inflamed and appear as very sensitive, often reddened vein branches. Varicose veins also hurt with thrombophlebitis. The term thrombophlebitis consists of two parts, as follows: the word part thrombo means thrombosis, while the word part phlebitis means the inflammation of veins and varicose veins. So, with thrombophlebitis of varicose veins, veins and varicose veins, the combination of phlebitis and superficial thrombosis is present.

Phlebitis- thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis is a medical term that refers to inflammation of a superficial vein that becomes blocked by a blood clot (thrombus). Thrombophlebitis can occur in various parts of the body, but most commonly it affects the leg veins, especially varicose veins. The high pressure and expansion of the veins, their tortuous, pathological walls lead to a slowing of flow in the veins, which, together with the damaged vein wall, promotes the formation of blood clots.

Thrombophlebitis caused by varicose veins is also known as varicophlebitis. It is the most common form of thrombophlebitis and usually occurs in the great or small saphenous vein or its side branches. Varicophlebitis manifests itself through typical signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, warmth and pain along the affected vein. In addition, you can often feel a hard strand under the skin that represents the blood clot.

Varicophlebitis is usually not life-threatening and often heals on its own. However, there is a risk that the blood clot will expand or break off and enter the deep veins. This can lead to deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, which are potentially dangerous complications. Therefore, if you see signs of varicophlebitis, you should always consult a doctor and begin appropriate treatment.

Treatment of varicophlebitis usually consists of the following measures:

Cooling the affected area with cold compresses or ice packs to relieve inflammation and swelling
Painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac to reduce pain
Compression stockings or bandages to improve venous return and prevent thrombosis progression
Movement of the legs to promote blood circulation and prevent further blood clots from forming
Stab incision or surgical removal of the superficial thrombosis if the symptoms are very severe or do not improve
Blood thinning medications if the risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism is increased
Antibiotics if a bacterial infection of the vein is present or suspected

The prognosis of varicophlebitis is generally good if it is detected and treated early. The symptoms usually subside within a few weeks. However, varicose veins can recur or worsen if the underlying causes are not addressed.

Other symptoms of varicose veins

Itching, burning or tingling in the legs, which can be caused by impaired blood circulation.
Skin changes like hardening, Discoloration, eczema or inflammation, which can indicate chronic venous insufficiency.
ulceration or open wounds on the lower legs, the so-called open leg, which can arise from increased pressure in the veins and are difficult to heal.
Bleeding from the varicose veins, which can be caused by an injury or tear in the thin skin over the veins. The edge of the shinbone in particular is very susceptible to injuries, where the varicose veins, which are covered by thin skin, can burst with even a small bruise.
Deep vein thrombosis and phlebothrombosis in varicose veins are discussed on separate pages due to their danger and complexity.

These symptoms are not only unpleasant, but can also cause serious complications such as thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Therefore, if you have these symptoms, you should consult a doctor and begin appropriate treatment.

Treatment of varicose veins – which method

Treatment for varicose veins depends on the type, extent, and symptoms of the varicose veins. There are many methods for removing or obliterating varicose veins, each of which has advantages and disadvantages, which we therefore discuss in detail on a separate page. The most important methods in brief are:

The Foam sclerotherapy, in which a foam-like sclerotherapy agent is injected into the varicose vein, which causes inflammation and causes the vein to stick together. This method is simple, inexpensive and suitable for smaller varicose veins, but is also less effective and carries a higher risk of side effects such as skin discoloration or thrombosis

The surgical removal (Stripping), in which the diseased vein sections are pulled out through cuts in the skin. This method is very effective, but also invasive and requires a longer healing process. Vein stripping is now only carried out very rarely because it has been resolved by modern endovenous or our own VaricoLAS laser therapy or EVP Veven reconstructive therapy.
The endovenous therapy, in which a thin probe is inserted into the affected vein and the varicose vein is heated from the inside using laser beams or radio waves so that it closes and ultimately becomes obliterated. This method is gentle, outpatient and scar-free. The costs are covered by all private health insurance companies. Statutory patients can apply for a subsidy for this operation.
VaricoLAS laser therapy for all visible, superficial varicose veins. In order to remove these ugly, numerous veins, many individual incisions would have to be made with scars afterwards. Using the new VaricoLAS method according to Dr. Haffner can remove varicose veins without cuts, without scars and without pain. Before and after pictures about Dr. Haffner's patented VaricoLAS varicose vein removal speaks for itself: a picture says more than a thousand words about the gentle effectiveness and excellent aesthetics of this VaricoLAS laser therapy for varicose veins.

Which doctor should I go to if I have varicose veins?

In order to find the best method for your individual situation, you should choose a specialist in vascular surgery who is highly trained to treat varicose veins at all depths and levels. Some phlebologists can also perform minor varicose vein operations. Please note, however, that the phlebologist is not a specialist, but rather just an additional title, which can only be acquired by the doctor as an additional title after 1 year of training. The field of vascular surgery, on the other hand, is a separate specialty that requires at least 5 years of training in a hospital and vascular surgeons, who are then trained to perform all types of operations on the arteries and veins. A vascular surgeon can professionally examine your varicose veins, explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods and recommend a suitable, even the latest, treatment.

Preventing varicose veins

Preventive measures are important to avoid or delay the development of varicose veins. This includes:

Avoidance of obesity, smoking and alcohol
Adequate fluid intake
Regular physical activity
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time
Elevate the legs
Wearing compression stockings if necessary
Cold warm water baths according to Kneipp
Treatment of existing varicose veins through sclerotherapy, laser therapy or surgery

pregnancy varicose veins

Self-treatment of varicose veins

You have to do something when varicose veins cause their typical symptoms such as pain, swelling in the ankles, tired legs, when shoes pinch because of the severe swelling, when the varicose veins are also visually disfiguring.

To which doctor for varicose veins

There is no standard solution for varicose veins. This must always be agreed individually with the treating doctor and depends entirely on the personal requirements as well as the progress of the disease or its course.

The Enormous Gain by preserving the veins Most patients and doctors are not even aware of varicose vein surgery. Your own vein remains as Bypass material for potential heart surgery very important. Heart disease is the number 1 cause of death in Germany. Heart disease can now be successfully treated with a vein bypass, which is why preserving the veins is extremely important for everyone. From the vascular surgeon, former chief physician of vascular surgery Dr. Haffner developed his own vein-preserving laser operations, the VaricoLAS procedure, through decades of experience. This differs from conventional vein laser operations, from EVLA, which effectively relieves varicose veins, but destroys the important superficial veins. However, these saphenous veins can be preserved using the EVP valvuloplasty according to Tavaghofi, where Dr. Haffner has specialized. All varicose veins are then removed without cuts and without knives using the modern, new VaricoLAS procedure while preserving the guiding veins.

-Send us your pictures of varicose veins for a short initial consultation!

Individual consulting
Of course, we would be happy to advise you and answer your questions in detail about the individual and other treatment methods. Call us at: 0221 257 2976, use our Online appointment booking or send us an email: info@heumarkt.clinic

Varicose veins and varicose veins

Varicose veins and varicose veins

Symptoms of varicose veins

Heavy legs with varicose veins

swelling of the feet

Pain

Phlebitis- thrombophlebitis

Other symptoms of varicose veins

Treatment of varicose veins – which method

Which doctor should I go to if I have varicose veins?

Preventing varicose veins

pregnancy varicose veins

Self-treatment of varicose veins

To which doctor for varicose veins

The PRIVATPRAXIS design in the heart of Cologne

Latest Posts

HeumarktClinic Cologne private practice

Varicose veins and varicose veins

Symptoms of varicose veins

Heavy legs with varicose veins

swelling of the feet

Pain

Phlebitis- thrombophlebitis

Preventing varicose veins

pregnancy varicose veins

Self-treatment of varicose veins

To which doctor for varicose veins

The PRIVATPRAXIS design in the heart of Cologne

Latest Posts

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HeumarktClinic Cologne private practice