Varicose veins: Treatment and prevention

Varicosis is one of the most common diseases that leads to serious consequences and even disability. Varicose veins, which affect every third woman and every tenth man on the planet, are not just a discomfort and a cosmetic defect. This is a serious condition that can cause blood clots, ulcers and bleeding.

Varicose veins are superficial veins that have become twisted and swollen. The disease develops due to the weakening of the valves and vein walls. As a result, blood begins to collect in the vein instead of returning to the heart. Moreover, varicose veins can cause severe complications, and in the absence of timely treatment, it even leads to disability. The main signs of vein problems include:

• pain and heaviness in the legs, swelling;
• leg cramps at night;
• the appearance of spider veins.

The main cause of varicose veins is genetic predisposition. However, there are lots of other provocative factors, which include: 

• a sedentary lifestyle;
• pregnancy;
• obesity;
• hormonal failure;
• intensive physical activity;
• work associated with long standing;
• chronic diseases of the bronchi and lungs, accompanied by prolonged cough.

People at risk, who have a genetic predisposition, need to visit a phlebologist regularly and have an ultrasound performed to diagnose the disease at the earliest stage. Besides, it is recommended for them to do preventive measures. They include physical activity (walking, swimming, cycling), monitoring the weight, and wearing comfortable shoes.

Some people believe that varicose veins are only an aesthetic problem. And thus, they try to get rid of it. But in general, treatment of this disease in the early stages can help you prevent such complications as thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers and thrombosis. In this case, ultrasound is used to detect the affected veins. If the results of non-surgical treatment are not good enough, then specialists use a surgical study called as phlebography, the aim of which is to implement a contrast agent into the vein to assess the general condition of the vascular system. Surgical treatment can be performed by three methods:

• Phlebectomy. This is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove varicose veins with the help of a small scalpel.
• Sclerosing.  It helps treat varicose veins and spider veins. The procedure involves injecting chemicals into damaged veins. 
• Laser coagulation. This is the most advanced method, which includes the use of a laser beam. Due to the heating, vein walls stick together. 

Do you want to see a phlebologist (vascular surgeon) in Kyiv, Ukraine? Contact UA destination team to get health screening tests for women or men or book a phlebologist appointment in Kyiv, Ukraine.