Varicose veins are generally the result of a poorly functioning valves. This results in a blood stagnation which, apart from creating unsightly veins in the lower legs,  can cause discomfort such as pain, tenseness, heaviness and swellings or even badly healing ulcers.

Varicose veins occur in the form of spider veins or as varicosity of lateral saphenous branches. When the valves in the groin or back of the knee do not function adequately, trunk varicosity may occur, which affects the two trunk veins, the vena saphena magna and the vena saphena parva.

Varicose veins generally affects the superficial veins. Deep vein thrombosis is seldom caused by varicose veins. More frequently, individual lateral branches may clot so that superficial veins become inflamed (thrombophlebitis). If the skin above a varicose vein "knot" becomes too thin, spontaneous bleeding may occur, but this can be easily stilled through compression.

A Doppler ultrasound examination is the best method of diagnosing varicose veins.  A phlebography using a contrast dye is only required in exceptional cases. Treatment should be begun at the latest when the veins start to cause discomfort or when ulcers appear on the lower legs.

Our methods of treatment:

Compression treatment

Sclerosis

Surgery

 

In our Online Magazine you can find more information on the subject of varicose veins. Dr. Detlev Debertshäuser can answer your questions here: "Varicose veins - merely a cosmetic problem Dr. Debertshäuser?"

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