특수클리닉
What are varicose veins?
This refers to a condition in which a disorder of the veins of the lower limbs makes them abnormally dilated, or the blood in the leg veins that should return to the heart stagnates or flows backwards, so that the leg vessels become thick or bulging.
Symptoms of varicose veins
- 1
- Legs swell severely, especially in the evening.
- 2
- Calf veins bulge or fine spider veins are visible.
- 3
- The legs bruise easily.
- 4
- Muscle cramps or spasms often occur during sleep.
- 5
- The legs always feel heavy and stiff.
- 6
- The legs itch as if insects were crawling on them.
Causes of varicose veins
Varicose veins have many causes, but genetic factors play a large part. The risk of varicose veins is high if the valves are congenitally abnormal or the vein walls are weak, or if a family member has varicose veins. The risk is also higher with sudden weight change, aging, pregnancy, long periods of standing or sitting, lack of exercise and smoking.
Family history
Even without a specific genetic disorder, urinary stones run very strongly in families. If a parent has had urinary stones, their children are more likely to develop them.
Aging
As we age, the blood vessels lose elasticity and the valves inside the veins weaken; the resulting valve failure can lead to varicose veins.
Gender
Because female hormones tend to dilate the veins, varicose veins are especially common in women.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormonal changes and an increase in blood volume dilate the blood vessels. The enlarged uterus also compresses the veins and impairs circulation, making varicose veins more likely.
Weight change
It can increase blood volume or cause hormonal changes, so the incidence of varicose veins rises.
Occupation
Standing or sitting for long periods prevents the blood in the legs from flowing smoothly, causing or worsening varicose veins.
Treatment of varicose veins
Treatment of varicose veins differs according to the cause and the severity. Even when venous disease develops at the same time, the degree of symptoms varies greatly with the individual's condition, so the appropriate treatment must be chosen on the basis of a detailed examination.
| Non-surgical | Compression stockings, venotonic agents, drug therapy |
|---|---|
| Procedural / surgical | Laser stripping, laser, radiofrequency, etc. |
Post-treatment precautions
- Treatment results and duration may vary depending on individual symptoms.
- Temporary side effects may occur after treatment and vary with each individual's condition.
