What can you do against varicose veins?

Many people suffer from varicose veins in the summer. But what exactly are varicose veins and what can you do about them?

Varicose veins are painful expansions of veins in the legs. Standing for long periods of time increases pressure in the veins, causing them to stretch. Pregnancy can also promote varicose veins. Varicose veins are hereditary.

Walking and swimming are good for varicose veins because the muscle action in the legs promotes the return of blood from the veins. What you should definitely avoid is standing up for a long time, heat, sauna and sitting still for a long time. It is best to rest with your legs a little higher. Compression stockings can help prevent the expansion of varicose veins.

Medications can reduce the feeling of heaviness in the legs, but will not tackle the varicose veins themselves. Small varicose veins can be closed somewhat by injections or laser. For large varicose veins, only surgical removal of the vein can help, but there remains a chance that they will return.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-02-25 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024