Take the first symptoms seriously

Varicose veins (varices) develop when the valves of the superficial venous system no longer close properly. Instead of flowing exclusively upwards, towards the heart, the blood in the affected vein can now also flow downwards, towards the foot. For the vein walls, the unaccustomed backflow represents an enormous strain that they cannot withstand in the long run. The walls expand, and as a result other valves become leaky and also allow the blood to pass in the opposite direction. A domino effect develops that gradually affects the entire vein. When a vein becomes a varicose vein, the total diameter of the vein increases. It curves and twists. Classic varicose veins on the leg are easily visible from the outside. Other varicose veins lie deeper in the tissue and are not visible from the outside.

When varicose veins develop, phlebologists distinguish between primary and secondary varicose veins. While the latter are usually the result of deep vein thrombosis, no concrete triggers for primary varicose veins have yet been clearly identified. However, there are a number of factors that favour varicose veins. These include a genetic predisposition to a weakness of the venous valves. For example, the risk of developing varicose veins is 90 per cent for people with two affected parents and 45 per cent for people with one affected parent. If neither parent is affected, there is a basic risk of 20 percent. Age also plays an important role. With increasing age, the connective tissue and the superficial veins lose elasticity, which promotes the development of varicose veins. In addition, lack of exercise and being overweight are considered risk factors.

Many people initially consider varicose veins to be a visual problem. This is mainly because they are often visible for some time before symptoms first appear. The first sign of a venous circulatory disorder is oedema in the legs. They usually appear around the ankles and become more pronounced towards evening. Those affected now complain of feelings of heaviness, tiredness and tension in the legs, which ease when the legs are elevated or when they are moved. Sometimes there are also cramps in the feet or calves at night. Warm weather can make the symptoms even worse.

If varicose veins remain untreated, serious secondary diseases can develop. These begin with chronic skin changes in the area of the lower leg and foot, which become visible as brownish discolouration. They are caused by iron pigments that enter the skin from the congested blood. The insufficient blood flow causes the skin to thin and the connective tissue to harden. Affected areas may itch and feel warm. The open leg is eventually characterised by ulcers in the lower leg and ankle region. The formation of blood clots in the varicose veins is also possible. These manifest themselves as local pain, reddening of the skin, a feeling of heat, leg swelling and palpable stiff vein strands. In addition, varicose veins tend to become inflamed, which can be painful, and to bleed profusely if they are injured.