[Click! Health] Varicose Veins More Feared in Summer... Symptoms and Treatments?

As the intense heat approaches, concerns among patients with varicose veins in the legs increase. When the weather gets hotter, blood vessels expand, which can worsen symptoms, and the bulging veins make it difficult to show bare legs even on hot days.

Varicose veins in the legs refer to the condition where leg veins become enlarged and protrude. This occurs when the venous valves weaken or get damaged, causing blood to flow backward toward the feet, resulting in various symptoms. It is especially related to female hormones and mainly occurs in women. When there is an imbalance in female hormones due to oral contraceptive use or menstruation, veins expand and valve function deteriorates. Office workers who sit for long periods and service workers who stand all day are also at higher risk because blood pools in the lower body.

Most people suspect varicose veins only when the leg veins bulge, and mild symptoms such as leg numbness and cramps are often overlooked, causing delays in treatment. Baek Byung-gu, director of the Surgical Center at H Plus Yangji Hospital, explained, "Diagnosis of varicose veins includes physical examination and medical history evaluation. A Doppler ultrasound of the leg veins is performed while the patient is standing, and if reflux lasting more than 0.5 seconds is confirmed, varicose veins can be diagnosed."

Symptoms include twisted veins visible on the calf skin. Swelling, leg pain, throbbing, calf cramps, numbness, and heaviness in the legs occur when sitting or standing for long periods. The skin around the veins may feel burning or itchy, and nighttime muscle cramps may also appear. Edema, leg pressure, and fatigue commonly occur during excessive activity, so many people do not recognize varicose veins even if symptoms are present. Therefore, persistent pain should be carefully monitored.

Treatment methods vary depending on symptoms and individual conditions. In the early stages, it is important to identify the location and cause of the problematic veins and consider the extent of the lesion, patient age, and occupation to find the appropriate treatment. If symptoms are mild, conservative treatment such as medication and wearing medical compression stockings to apply pressure to the legs and improve blood flow can lead to improvement.

However, if there is no improvement with conservative therapy or if the disease has progressed due to neglect, procedural and surgical treatments should be considered. These include 'sclerotherapy,' which involves injecting a special drug (sclerosant) into the veins; 'laser ablation,' which uses a specific type of radiofrequency energy to close veins and redirect blood flow to healthy veins; 'VenaSeal treatment,' which blocks dysfunctional veins with a biological adhesive to prevent blood reflux; and surgical treatments that directly remove or tie off problematic veins. Director Baek emphasized, "Varicose veins are a progressive disease that is difficult to heal naturally. If left untreated, symptoms can worsen and lead to various complications such as thrombosis, ulcers, necrosis, and skin discoloration, so early treatment is very important."

Since varicose veins can occur due to various causes such as family history, obesity, and lack of exercise, lifestyle modification is crucial for prevention and management. Stockings, skinny jeans, and boots that do not allow ventilation should be avoided as they compress veins and hinder blood circulation. Excessive exercise (such as jogging and hiking) should be avoided, and stretching should be done when sitting or standing for long periods. Elevating the legs above heart level is recommended. While compresses and half-body baths can temporarily relieve leg fatigue, they can also dilate veins and cause varicose veins, so caution is needed. If symptoms such as leg swelling, numbness, or pain occur, it is essential to visit a hospital for an accurate diagnosis.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.