Vein problems

Venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency occurs when the walls of the veins, or the valves that allow blood to flow properly from the legs, are damaged. Venous blood flowing in the wrong direction is called venous regurgitation (reflux). It is the main cause of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). 

The most visible sign of venous insufficiency is varicose veins. Most of the blood flow from the legs comes from the deep veins, but venous insufficiency is visually visible as damage to the superficial veins (enlarged, rough veins, venous nodules) - varicose veins. Damage to the veins connecting the deep and superficial veins, in turn, causes non-healing trophic ulcers. 

Venous insufficiency is characterised by heaviness, tingling, pain and fatigue in the legs in the early stages, itching, cramps (especially at night), increased skin pigmentation, bulging veins, venous nodules and other symptoms as the disease progresses.

Deep vein thrombosis

Varicose veins are visible and first appear as a visual defect, while deep vein thrombosis is a silent threat to a person's life. Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in a vein below the knee, in the thigh or pelvis. Deep vein thrombosis can be indicated by a marked, painful swelling in the leg (usually one). Such symptoms indicate that you should see a phlebologist immediately!

Why is deep vein thrombosis dangerous?

When a thrombus detaches from a vein wall, it can enter the pulmonary artery and block it - causing shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat and loss of consciousness. In such cases, a person's life is at serious risk; if the pulmonary artery is completely blocked, the outcome is fatal.

If detected early, deep vein thrombosis can be treated medically with medical compression stockings and surgically with stents in the narrowed vein, depending on the extent of the disease.

Capillary reticulation on the legs

Capillary reticulation, or varicose veins, can be both a cosmetic defect and a sign of serious venous problems.  Capillary varicose veins on the legs can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, a sedentary lifestyle, weak connective tissue or thin skin.

Capillary reticulation can also be caused by damaged trunk veins. The phlebologist determines the cause of the problem and applies the most appropriate treatment.  

Varicose capillaries and small blood vessels are removed by sclerotherapy, laser therapy, IPL therapy and thermocoagulation.