FAQ varicose veins & spider veins

Das Wort „Krampfader“ stammt aus dem Altdeutschen „Krumpe Ader“, also krumme Ader, und beschreibt lediglich den von aussen sichtbaren Venenverlauf einer erkrankten Vene.

Sometimes patients with varicose veins complain of increased calf cramps, but these are not due to the varicose veins.

Veins are soft structures and are mainly made from connective tissue. If a familial weakness of the connective tissue is present, veins can expand and deform. The sealing capacity of the venous valves reduces over time and can result in a retention of blood in the veins.

The main cause for the development of varicose veins is a genetic, familial disposition. Naturally there are certain risk factors that favour the development of varicose veins. These are excessive weight, or activities that involve prolonged standing or sitting and a lack of movement.

The healthy veins, especially the deep veins that are protected by the muscle layer, take over this task. Sometimes a mild swelling remains temporarily after treatment until the return flow has normalised.

The disposition as a cause of the development of varicose veins cannot be treated. There is a risk of approximately 25-30 % that patients who undergo treatment will develop new varicose veins over time, independent of the treatment method.

New varicose veins can develop during pregnancy or existing varicose veins can increase in magnitude. In particular, symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness increase in the last trimester. Compression stockings should be worn during pregnancy, especially as treatment is only allowed in the case of complications. A majority of varicose veins due to pregnancy recede after approximately 4-6 months after childbirth. However, examination by a specialist doctor should always be undertaken.

Patients with healthy veins that undergo a long journey by air or road have a slightly increased risk of thomboses. This risk is additionally increased in the case of varicose veins, so a suitable compression stocking should always be worn. A corresponding anti-thrombosis prophylaxis must even be considered (haemodilution) in certain cases.

The haemodilution protects from thromboses and is indicated in the case of many other disorders (artificial heart valves, stents, auricular fibrillation, etc.). If large varicose veins are visible under the skin and if one injures oneself in such a place, heavy bleeding can occur. Immediate compression (towel, belt) can reduce bleeding but cannot usually stop it. After the bleeding has undergone medical treatment the varicose veins should be examined and treated by a specialist.

Today, many treatments can be performed on an outpatient basis without having to interrupt haemodilution.

Varicose veins do not always cause symptoms and cannot always be seen from outside. The so-called "saphenous veins" that extend between the muscle layer and the skin can exhibit a backflow due to failure of the valves to seal, and can hence represent a risk of complications without necessarily causing symptoms. An ultrasonic examination will rapidly provide clarification.

No, negative consequences are not to be expected if heavy breathing is avoided and training is undertaken with low weights. Nevertheless, the varicose veins should be examined by a specialist doctor.

Clinical examination of the legs plus duplex sonography and subsequent consultancy usually takes 30-45 minutes. Ultrasonic examination is absolutely painless and the costs are borne by the basic insurance provider. More time is usually reserved for specific issues.

The costs of initial consultancy, medically required treatments and follow-up examinations are borne by the healthcare insurance provider in Switzerland. Cosmetic treatments without relevant pathological significance such as e.g. sclerotherapy of spider veins are not reimbursed.

Ultrasound is used to detect and document diameter, venous trajectory, valve function, direction of bloodflow, wall changes and flow disturbances in the venous system. Substantially, healthy veins are differentiated from diseased veins in this way. In addition, ultrasound can be used to safely and painlessly check vein sealing (thromboses), genetically-predisposed anomalies and results of treatment.

Compression stockings do not eliminate existing varicose veins, nor can they influence the genetic predisposition for development of varicose veins. However, compression treatment can temporarily normalise the backflow of blood and reduce congestion so that symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness and swelling are significantly reduced.