How to treat varicose veins (worm-like legs)
Apr 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Chenggang
Introduction
Varicose veins, commonly known as "worm-like legs," can usually be improved through methods such as wearing medical compression stockings, sclerotherapy injections, oral medications, topical treatments, and surgical interventions. This condition may result from congenital or acquired factors that lead to weakened blood vessel walls and blood stasis, causing the veins to become twisted and dilated. Additional approaches include appropriate exercise, acupuncture, and massage.
Varicose veins, commonly known as "worm-like legs," can usually be improved through methods such as wearing medical compression stockings, sclerotherapy injections, oral medications, topical medications, and surgical treatment. The specific approaches are analyzed as follows:
1. Wearing Medical Compression Stockings
Patients with varicose veins can wear compression stockings to help alleviate and treat the condition. The principle lies in the pressure gradient created by medical compression stockings, which helps reduce venous blood reflux and relieve symptoms of varicose veins.
2. Sclerotherapy Injections
Varicose veins can be treated by injecting a sclerosing agent. This method involves injecting a hypertonic solution into the affected vein to damage the vessel's inner lining and thereby treat the varicose vein. However, this treatment may cause severe pain, pigmentation, redness, swelling, or inflammation. Additionally, there is a relatively high risk of recurrence after treatment.
3. Oral Medications
When pain is more severe, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as celecoxib capsules, meloxicam tablets, or acetaminophen tablets may be used under a doctor’s guidance for pain relief.
4. Topical Medications
When skin itching is prominent, topical corticosteroids such as dexamethasone cream, betamethasone cream, or triamcinolone acetonide and econazole cream can be applied to suppress inflammation and relieve discomfort.
5. Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatments are ineffective, doctors typically recommend surgical interventions such as high ligation of the great saphenous vein, excision of varicose veins, or high ligation combined with stripping of the great saphenous vein. These procedures aim to restore venous patency and improve the condition.
This condition may result from congenital or acquired factors leading to weakened vascular walls and blood stasis, causing veins to become twisted and dilated. Additional supportive measures include appropriate exercise, acupuncture, and massage. After onset, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and appropriate treatment based on the individual condition.
