Therapy | Venous diseases

Therapy

In general, the therapy for all venous disorders consists of compression of the legs using elastic bandages or stockings. It is also recommended to walk a lot and stand or sit a little. These measures improve blood transport from the legs to the heart.

In dangerous venous thrombosis, the blood clot (thrombus) is removed by a minor surgical procedure or with the help of a catheter. Furthermore, the blood is diluted with heparin for at least five days. Compression treatment with bandages or stockings should also be used for at least three months.

After successful treatment, the cause of the thrombosis must be sought and treated – e.g. smoking and the use of contraceptives can lead to thrombosis in young women. In this case it would be advisable to stop smoking or switch to another contraceptive method. Even in the case of a freshly developed phlebitis, the affected veins can be cleared of blood clots that have formed due to the inflammation with a small prick.

Varicose veins can be removed in the course of an operation or closed by laser therapy. In the case of varicose veins, the veins can be removed surgically. Surgery may be considered if the symptoms are severe, e.g. frequently recurring inflammation of the veins.

Especially if thrombi (blood clots) keep forming in the veins, surgery is recommended. But varicose vein surgery can also be performed for purely aesthetic reasons. However, surgical removal of varicose veins is only possible if the deep leg veins are healthy.

In about 5% of varicose veins, however, the deep leg veins are damaged and cannot transport enough blood to the heart. In this case surgery is contraindicated. Drug therapy does not play a major role in venous diseases.

If the other therapeutic measures against oedema do not have sufficient effect, oedema protectives can be taken. More interesting are drugs from natural healing plants. These are usually not subject to prescription and must be paid for by the patient.

Horse chestnut extract, butcher’s broom root and extracts of red vine leaves are recommended here. Since medicines from natural plants can interact with other medicines, the doctor treating you should be informed about their use. The most important thing is to keep the legs moving.

This means a lot of walking or sports. Walking activates the muscles that support the blood transport in the veins. When sitting or standing, it is recommended to change position regularly and not to cross your legs.

Raising the legs, on the other hand, has a positive effect. Flat, comfortable shoes are also recommended. Showering the legs with cold water or a pub crawl can alleviate the symptoms.

Other measures that can help are quark wrapping or weight reduction if you are overweight. Saunas, however, should be avoided. Chestnuts can also be used to make an ointment for external application. Furthermore, you might be interested: Household remedy against circulatory disorders