What Causes Varicose Veins and How to Treat Them?

Varicose veins are a relatively common disease, which may be related to factors such as prolonged standing or sitting, constipation, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The causes of varicose veins generally include the following:

1. Prolonged Standing or Sitting: People who need to stand or sit for long periods of time, such as sales clerks, teachers, and white-collar workers, are prone to developing varicose veins in their lower limbs. This is because they need to maintain the same posture for a long time, which can lead to blood stagnation in the veins of the lower limbs. Over time, the venous valves can be damaged, resulting in increased venous pressure and varicose veins.

2. Constipation: Constipation can also contribute to the development of varicose veins. Long-term constipation often requires individuals to spend extended periods of time in a squatting position while defecating, which can inhibit blood circulation in the lower legs and increase pressure within the blood vessels. This can lead to blood congestion, damage to the vascular valves, and ultimately, varicose veins.

3. Obesity: Obese individuals often have poor posture and abnormal gait, which can further contribute to joint infections and osteoarthritis. The excess fat can make it difficult for blood to be transported to the upper body, and the added weight on the lower limbs can increase venous pressure.

4. Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Regular smoking and alcohol consumption can lead to hardening of the blood vessels, affecting blood circulation and compromising overall health.

Treatment options for varicose veins include the following:

1. Compression Therapy: The use of elastic stockings can help reduce swelling and edema caused by exercise by applying external pressure. Theoretically, the pressure of the stockings is greatest at the ankles and gradually decreases upward. It is generally recommended to wear stockings that extend up to the thighs. It is best to put on the stockings in the morning before getting out of bed and remove them at night before going to bed. In cases where patients have developed leg ulcers due to high venous pressure, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions for taking antibiotics and diuretics, along with the use of special dressings.

2. Sclerotherapy: This treatment involves injecting a sclerosing agent into the veins to help collapse and close them off. It can be used as an adjunctive therapy for mild cases of varicose veins in the lower limbs or after surgical procedures. For patients with varicose veins in the esophagus or stomach, sclerosing agents can be injected endoscopically into the dilated veins.

3. Surgical Procedures: High ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein is the most common surgical procedure for treating varicose veins in the lower limbs. This procedure is mainly targeted at patients with varicose veins in their legs. Subcutaneous transillumination assisted phlebectomy is suitable for larger areas of varicose veins in the lower limbs.