Varicose veins are a common problem, but fortunately there are several varicose vein treatments To reduce or eliminate them. In this article, we discuss the causes of varicose veins and the most effective treatments, such as compression therapy, pressotherapy, and laser treatment.
A varicose vein is a dilated vein that is clearly visible on the skin or palpable under the skin. Varicose veins are usually blue and winding, and are mainly found on the legs. Varicose veins are very common and are among the top ten complaints for which people visit their doctor. They are more common in women than in men. The medical term for varicose veins is varicose veins.
reference: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spatader
What is the function of veins
Veins are the blood vessels that ensure the return of blood to the heart. The arteries carry blood from the heart to the legs, and then it flows back to the heart via the veins. On the outside of the leg, there's a network of superficial veins through which the blood flows upward. Inside the leg, between the muscles, there are also large veins through which the blood flows. All these veins contain valves. These valves ensure that the blood can flow smoothly from the toes back to the heart. When you walk or move your leg muscles, the veins are squeezed empty, and because of the valves, the blood can only flow in one direction—up.
Varicose veins causes and complaints
Women are slightly more likely to develop varicose veins than men. The risk of varicose veins increases in:
- Predisposition: in some families people are more likely to have varicose veins
- Hormones and pregnancy
- Standing for a long time
- thrombosis
- Operations and accidents
- Overweight
Varicose veins often cause no symptoms at all. Many people find their presence bothersome or unsightly. Varicose veins usually gradually worsen over the years.
If varicose veins cause symptoms, they usually present as a tired, lethargic, and heavy feeling in the legs. Sometimes, symptoms include itching and tingling, restless legs, difficulty keeping the legs still in bed, or the feeling of something crawling on the legs. In rare cases, pain or bleeding from a varicose vein can occur. In addition, due to poor blood return to the heart (venous insufficiency), congestion and subsequent fluid retention (edema) can also occur around the ankles. These symptoms worsen over the course of the day, after standing for long periods, and in warm weather. If fluid retention persists for a long time, symptoms such as pigmentation, eczema, white scarring, hardening of the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue, and ultimately a leg ulcer (venous leg ulcer) can develop in the lower legs.
What treatments are there?
It's important to see your doctor, who will examine you and determine the best course of action. You may be referred to other trained professionals for specialized advice.
- External support and compression using elastic compression garments. You should wear them for recovery after surgery or you may be given them to prevent varicose veins.
- Intermittent compression pumps (IPC) Pressotherapie
Using a Pressotherapy system
The system of Nymph Consists of a pump and one or more cuffs. These are easy to use, safe, and effective for varicose veins. It's important that you follow the instructions your nurse, therapist, or doctor has given you regarding varicose veins.
Before using the system, remove any compression bandages or stockings. Sit comfortably and, if necessary, place a cylindrical cotton bandage or stocking stitch on the affected limb. Place the cuff on the limb to be treated with varicose veins and connect it to the pump.
Adjust the pump settings for varicose veins to program B, E or F as advised by your doctor, then switch on the pump.
The cuff will alternately inflate and deflate, providing a gentle massage. This stimulates blood and lymph flow in your affected limb. If the pressure is too high and you experience discomfort, you can reduce the pressure setting on the pump. This can even be done during the ongoing therapy session.
It's important to follow the instructions given regarding duration and frequency of use. A session lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.
After completing the therapy, the cuff and any cotton bandage should be removed. If you are wearing compression garments, you can put them back on. Years of experience have shown that very few problems have been experienced by people using this system. However, if you become short of breath, or your limb becomes swollen or painful, or if the skin becomes red and inflamed during the treatment,
Do you want to get started with pressotherapy yourself? View the Nymph 8 – 8-chamber pressotherapy device and discover which device suits your situation.
