How is varicose veins of the lower extremities treated?

Varicose veins result from either congenital weakness of the venous wall or prolonged maintenance of the same posture with minimal movement, leading to blood pooling in the lower limbs. Over time, this chronic venous stasis damages the venous valves, causing elevated venous pressure and subsequent bulging of veins above the skin surface. So, how are lower-limb varicose veins treated? Below, we address this question.

How Are Lower-Limb Varicose Veins Treated?

1. Pharmacological Treatment

Commonly prescribed medications include Diosmin tablets and Aescin tablets, which primarily help restore the elasticity and contractile function of the venous wall. Symptom-relieving drugs—such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including indomethacin and ibuprofen—are also used. However, these medications should only be taken under a physician’s guidance to avoid exacerbating the condition. Additionally, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is another commonly employed treatment approach; TCM therapy often involves herbal foot soaks, which can significantly alleviate symptoms.

2. Surgical Treatment

A common clinical surgical technique is microscopic nanofilament minimally invasive surgery, characterized by being virtually painless and involving minimal or no incisions. This procedure causes minimal patient discomfort and allows for rapid recovery. Other frequently used surgical treatments include sclerotherapy (injection of a sclerosing agent), endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and high ligation of the great saphenous vein. Furthermore, patients are advised to avoid prolonged sitting or standing, as well as late-night activities, to prevent impaired venous circulation and compression-related complications.

3. Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management

For patients with mild symptoms, conservative management is often appropriate. This includes reducing daily physical activity—especially heavy manual labor. In daily life, wearing compression stockings is recommended. During nighttime rest and sleep, elevating the affected limb helps promote venous return. Moreover, brisk walking effectively prevents or improves varicose veins by facilitating venous blood flow back to the heart. Acupuncture may also be used as an adjunctive therapy to effectively relieve swelling, pain, and heaviness.

The above outlines various treatment options for lower-limb varicose veins. We hope this information proves helpful to you.