How is varicose veins in the lower limbs treated?
Disease description:
After prolonged sitting, the leg veins may become suddenly prominent, leading to impaired blood return and the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities. How should this be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are a common vascular disease, primarily characterized by dilation of the lower limb veins and valvular insufficiency, leading to impaired blood return. Treatment methods include:
1. Lifestyle modifications: Avoid prolonged standing or sitting, appropriately elevate the affected limb to promote venous return in the lower limbs.
2. Medication: Venoactive drugs such as diosmin (遵医嘱口服迈之灵 and Daflon) may be taken as directed by a physician to enhance venous wall tone and alleviate symptoms such as heaviness, discomfort, and edema. Traditional Chinese medicine can also be used as adjunctive therapy for diuresis and reduction of swelling.
3. Compression stockings: Suitable for mild to moderate varicose veins, these improve circulation through external pressure, reduce leg swelling and pain, and help prevent complications.
4. Sclerotherapy: Involves injecting a sclerosing agent into the vein to cause adhesion and occlusion of the vessel wall, suitable for small or thin varicose veins.
5. Laser or radiofrequency ablation: Uses laser or radiofrequency energy to heat and shrink the inner lining of the veins, appropriate for treating the great saphenous vein trunk and larger collateral veins.
6. Foam sclerotherapy: Involves injecting a sclerosing agent to harden the veins, which are then gradually absorbed by the body, suitable for treating small varicose veins.
