Prevention of venous diseases

Vein health is essential for overall well-being and quality of life at any age. Timely prevention helps reduce heaviness in the legs, swelling, and discomfort after prolonged sitting or standing, as well as lowers the risk of developing varicose veins and other chronic venous diseases. Today, the prevention of venous diseases is based on a comprehensive approach — lifestyle modification, pharmacological support, compression therapy, and physical medicine methods, combined with modern treatment technologies when necessary.

The goal of prevention is to assess risk factors in a timely manner and, if needed, initiate the most appropriate therapy before complications develop.

Caring for vein health is also important after vein surgery, because the removal of certain veins does not mean that problems cannot develop in other veins. Therefore, we encourage continuous preventive care for vein health.

There are several methods for the prevention of venous diseases:

• pharmacological therapy;

• compression therapy;

• physical therapy, including mechanical and manual lymphatic drainage, darsonvalization, hydrotherapy, and other methods.

Comprehensive preventive program for leg vein health

Preventive care program

The implementation of prevention is a serious, structured process involving a multifunctional team of specialists:

• General practitioner – early detection of vein health issues, initiation of treatment, preventive recommendations;

• Phlebologist – assessment of current vein health, treatment, and preventive recommendations;

• Dermatologist – elimination of cosmetic defects, improvement of skin condition;

• Endocrinologist – monitoring of hormonal balance;

• Gynecologist – monitoring changes related to pregnancy, menopause, and the use of hormonal medications;

• Preventive medicine specialist – assessment of vein health risks, genetic testing, development of a prevention plan;

• Physiotherapist – development and implementation of the most suitable physical activity plan;

• Physical medicine specialist – mechanical/manual lymphatic drainage, Aquabike, underwater bath, and other physical therapy procedures;

• Nutrition specialist – development and supervision of a healthy, individually tailored nutrition plan;

• Aesthetic medicine specialist – procedures to maintain and improve skin and muscle tone.

Important notice

With care for leg veins in mind, “Baltijas Vēnu klīnika” and the Rehabilitation Department of “Veselības centrs 4”, in cooperation with the pharmaceutical company Vitacare and the official distributor of BAUERFEIND compression stockings in Latvia, SIA “Dinastija”, have created a preventive advice booklet.

For preventive purposes, venotonic agents are often used — medications that improve the condition of the inner layer of the vein wall, strengthen the function of venous valves, and increase vein tone. They help reduce heaviness, fatigue, and mild swelling in the legs, especially after prolonged standing or sitting at work, as well as before long trips or flights.

Topical gels and ointments do not penetrate deeply into the tissues. In most cases, they provide a pleasant cooling effect that gives the patient relief. Caution should be taken with long-term use of topical medications, as they may irritate the skin.

Remember! Medication has a secondary role, as no medication can restore dilated varicose veins to a healthy condition.

If symptoms become more pronounced (for example, varicose veins have developed), compression therapy is usually recommended.

Compression therapy is one of the most effective methods for preventing venous disease, as it mechanically improves venous blood return from the legs to the heart. Compression stockings apply graduated pressure (highest at the ankle and decreasing upwards), thereby reducing vein diameter, improving valve function, and decreasing blood pooling in the legs. This helps prevent heaviness, swelling, and fatigue in the legs, and reduces the risk of progression of venous dilation, especially in people whose work involves prolonged standing or sitting.

For preventive purposes, compression therapy is particularly important for individuals with a genetic predisposition to varicose veins, pregnant women, older adults, and those who travel frequently or work in a static position. Regular use of compression stockings can reduce the risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency and improve quality of life by decreasing leg swelling and discomfort at the end of the day. However, it is important to choose the correct compression class and size, as inappropriate compression may be ineffective or even harmful. Therefore, consultation with a doctor is recommended, especially if symptoms are already significant or if other circulatory problems are present.

Physical medicine plays an important role in the comprehensive treatment of venous diseases, medical rehabilitation, and prevention. Physical medicine includes treatment methods that use physical factors. These methods are physiological, therapeutically effective, and harmless to the body.

For preventive purposes, the prevention of lymphostasis is especially important, as it may contribute to swelling, skin sensitivity, and weakening of connective tissue. Risk factors for lymphostasis include an unhealthy diet, insufficient fluid intake, a sedentary lifestyle, wearing high heels, and overly tight clothing.

During the rehabilitation and prevention period, several methods are used:

• mechanical and manual lymphatic drainage;

• darsonvalization;

• hydrotherapy, including underwater massage.

Procedures are prescribed individually, taking into account each patient’s health condition and risk factors.

Physical medicine procedures after sclerotherapy and endovenous vein surgery successfully complement both the pharmacological therapy prescribed by the treating physician and provide preventive benefits. These procedures are prescribed by the treating physician or a physical medicine specialist approximately 7 to 14 days after vein surgery and are performed daily or every other day. Typically, the doctor prescribes 10 to 18 procedures.

For preventive purposes, physical medicine procedures are necessary to prevent or reduce lymphostasis (blockage of lymph flow in the interstitial tissues). Lymphostasis may cause swelling, sensitive and painful skin, weakening of connective tissue, and cellulite.

Risk factors for lymphostasis:

• unhealthy diet;

• insufficient daily fluid intake;

• insufficient or inappropriate physical activity;

• high heels;

• overly tight clothing.

If more pronounced varicose veins develop, the doctor will prescribe the most suitable modern minimally invasive treatment method individually for each patient — laser surgery, radiofrequency ablation, steam microimpulse therapy, cyanoacrylate (bioglue) technology, or sclerotherapy of individual vein branches.

Prevention of venous diseases is a long-term investment in health, freedom of movement, and overall well-being!