Public press information: Vein health FAQs

No chance for spider veins and varicose veins

The top questions and answers about vein health

As the warmer season approaches, many people feel uneasy about wearing light clothing and showing their legs. The reason is often venous changes such as spider veins or varicose veins, which appear bluish to reddish on the legs or protrude from the skin in a knot-like form. When combined with certain lifestyle factors, a predisposition can cause diseased veins to expand progressively, resulting in significant symptoms and secondary damage. It is therefore advisable to address spider veins and varicose veins at an early stage. Several gentle treatment options are now available, among them the particularly patient-friendly and cost-effective sclerotherapy. For all those who are interested or affected and wish to find out more about spider veins, varicose veins and gentle treatment methods, we have put together the most important questions and answers.

#1 How do spider veins and varicose veins develop?

Varicose veins are usually caused by venous insufficiency, which means that the vein walls, which consist of connective tissue, increasingly lose their elasticity. At the same time, the venous valves, which usually function as one-way valves to stop blood pushed upwards by the calf muscles from returning to the legs, no longer close as effectively. The blood then collects in the veins, causing them to widen, deform and protrude visibly. Spider veins are small surface veins that expand and show up as red or blue lines on the skin. While generally regarded as a cosmetic problem, they can also be an early indication of underlying venous insufficiency.

#2 Why do some people get varicose veins at a young age?

While 25–30% of all women and men of older age experience medically relevant vein problems such as varicose veins, swelling, skin changes and related discomfort, fewer than one in ten people under 30 in this country is affected. In addition to age, hereditary predisposition, gender and lifestyle also influence the development and course of venous diseases. For instance, if parents developed varicose veins at a young age, their children are also at an increased risk. Women tend to be more susceptible than men to dilated veins and leg discomfort, as their connective tissue is naturally weaker. Pregnancy and hormone treatments further increase the risk of varicose veins. Furthermore, people who are not very active and are overweight may notice vein issues earlier than those who maintain a healthier lifestyle.

#3 What are the early signs of venous insufficiency?

Tired, heavy legs, a sensation of tension, water retention in the feet and pain can all be signs of declining vein function. Prolonged sitting or standing, as well as summer heat, can cause the veins to widen and become more visible beneath the skin. In addition, elevated venous pressure can cause fluid to collect in the tissues, resulting in swelling of the feet, ankles and lower legs. In many cases, varicose veins initially produce no major symptoms and are recognised only by their appearance, protruding from the skin in a knot-like manner.

#4 How can I prevent spider veins and varicose veins?

Lifestyle plays an important role in maintaining healthy veins and legs. Physical activity is especially effective, as it strengthens the surrounding muscles and connective tissue and promotes blood flow back to the heart. Suitable forms of exercise include leg-focused activities such as walking or cycling. Moderate but regular physical exertion also counteracts excess weight, which can put a heavy strain on the veins. A low-fat, mainly plant-based diet can help with weight management and provides a wide range of health-promoting nutrients for cells, veins and connective tissue.

#5 Why should vein changes be taken seriously?

Spider veins and varicose veins can severely impair quality of life. On the one hand, they negatively affect the appearance of the legs and may reduce the enjoyment of activities such as going to the swimming pool, beach or sauna. On the other hand, varicose veins can cause significant discomfort, which almost always worsens over time. Left untreated for an extended period, varicose veins can even lead to skin changes and poorly healing wounds. In more severe cases, blood clots can develop in the leg veins. Such thromboses are among the most serious consequences of chronic venous disease. Preventing them with early treatment is therefore all the more important.

# 6 What treatment options are available for varicose veins?

Unlike surgical methods, so-called endovenous techniques enable a far gentler and more convenient outpatient treatment of varicose veins. In endovenous laser or radiofrequency treatment, the diseased veins are heated intensively from within and thereby destroyed. The same principle applies to transcutaneous laser treatment for spider veins – although in this case, the vessels are treated from the outside through the skin. One disadvantage of all these procedures is that they often need to be combined with other treatment methods because, for example, they may be ineffective in cases of severely tortuous veins or unable to treat deeper diseased veins, as with transcutaneous laser treatment. Minimally invasive sclerotherapy is the only treatment suitable for all types of varicose veins.

#7 What makes sclerotherapy unique?

In sclerotherapy, the doctor first performs a short, painless ultrasound examination and then uses a very fine needle to inject a specially formulated drug into the troublesome spider veins or varicose veins. The veins subsequently close and are gradually dissolved by the body. No other treatment for varicose veins is as gentle on patients as sclerotherapy: No anaesthesia or surgical incisions are needed, meaning there is no associated pain, no additional impairments and no healing period. This makes it suitable for busy professionals, as well as for older individuals and those with existing health conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and tolerability of sclerotherapy across various patient groups.

Those interested can find extensive information about vein health and sclerotherapy, including vein checks and doctor searches, online at www.besenreiser-krampfaderfrei.de .