Varicose veins

Definition

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, visibly protruding veins that usually appear on the legs. They occur when the venous valves no longer close properly and blood no longer flows unimpeded back to the heart. As a result, blood pools in the leg veins, which expand and remain visible permanently. These enlarged veins often appear as bluish, winding strands under the skin — especially on the calves or thighs. Varicose veins can also occur in the intimate area or around the uterus (varicosis of the pelvic veins) and can cause pulling pains there. Although women are more often affected, varicose veins also occur in men — usually later and often more pronounced.

Besides classic varicose veins, there are several types of venous diseases:

• Spider veins: fine, mostly reddish, superficial venous branches. Spider veins are often harmless and only cosmetically bothersome.
• Reticular varices: small, bluish, net-like varicose veins that resemble spider veins. They usually do not cause complaints and are mainly considered a cosmetic problem. They often appear on the outer thigh.
• Trunk varices: pronounced varicose veins of the great or small saphenous veins, associated with venous valve insufficiency.
• Internal varicose veins (deep varicosis): affect the deeper leg veins, can cause burning pain, swelling or nighttime calf cramps.
• Secondary varicosis: develops as a result of other diseases, for example after thrombosis, when the veins remain permanently widened.

Many affected people initially notice only fine spider veins before visible varicose veins develop — this is also referred to as a precursor stage of varicose veins. Early evaluation can help to recognize and treat beginning varicosis in time. In most cases, varicose veins are not life-threatening, but they can indicate venous weakness that, if untreated, can lead to chronic venous disease. In severe cases, there is a risk of venous inflammation, variceal bleeding or leg ulcers (ulcus cruris). Therefore, timely treatment of varicose veins is important to prevent complications and preserve venous function. Particularly large varicose veins can become dangerous if blood clots form or the skin is poorly perfused. Sudden appearance of varicose veins should also be examined by a doctor to detect serious venous problems early.

Causes of varicose veins

Varicose veins are among the most common venous diseases overall. The causes of varicose veins are diverse and closely related to our modern lifestyle, genetic predisposition and various risk factors. These influences interact on several levels and promote the development of varicose veins, i.e. the pathological enlargement of the veins.

Today’s work and lifestyle differ significantly from previous generations. While physical activity used to be a matter of course, many people today spend the majority of their day sitting — whether in the office, in the car or at home. Lack of movement and prolonged standing or sitting cause blood in the leg veins to return to the heart less effectively. As a result, pressure in the veins increases, causing their walls to stretch and the venous valves to become leaky. Gradually, varicose veins or even deep varicose veins can develop with corresponding symptoms such as pain, a feeling of heaviness or pressure.

In addition to lack of movement, genetic factors also play a central role. A congenital connective tissue weakness can cause the vein walls and venous valves to be less stable and to dilate more easily. People with relatives who suffer from varicose veins therefore have a significantly increased risk of developing varices themselves. Another common trigger is overweight. Extra body weight increases pressure in the leg veins and thus promotes the development of varicose veins. Hormonal changes — for example during pregnancy, from taking hormonal contraceptives or during menopause — can also weaken the vein walls. This is why women are more often affected than men.

Occupational stresses pose another risk. Professions that require long periods of standing (e.g. salespersons, hairdressers, nursing staff) can lead to permanent venous overload. Lack of movement while sitting, for example among office workers or professional drivers, also promotes the formation of varicose veins. Unfavourable lifestyle habits should not be underestimated either. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or an unhealthy diet negatively affect vascular health. A vein-friendly diet with plenty of fluids, fiber and little salt can, on the other hand, help prevent varicose veins and strengthen the veins. Age also plays an important role. As years go by, veins lose elasticity, which favors the development of varicose veins or visibly prominent veins.

Symptoms of varicose veins

Symptoms of varicose veins can vary greatly and depend on the type of venous disease, the extent of venous weakness, and individual factors such as age, lifestyle or family predisposition. While complaints are often perceived initially as merely cosmetic, significant pain and functional limitations can develop over time.
Because many venous disorders show similar signs, a medical evaluation should always be carried out for a definitive diagnosis. The most common symptoms of varicose veins and other venous diseases are listed below:

• Heaviness and tired legs: One of the typical symptoms of varicose veins is a feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially after long periods of standing or sitting.
• Leg pain: Varicose vein pain often occurs as pulling, stabbing or burning sensations. These burning varicose vein pains can occur particularly in the calves, ankles or the inner thigh.
• Tension and pressure: The enlarged vein and the blood congestion create an uncomfortable feeling of tension that improves when the legs are elevated. Especially internal or deep varicose veins can cause such symptoms and pain, even though they are often not visible externally.
• Swelling (edema): Feet and lower legs often swell in the evenings or in warm weather. These venous complaints indicate that blood outflow is impaired.
• Itching and skin changes: Itchy varicose veins or skin irritation are common accompanying symptoms. The skin over affected veins may become thinner, dry or discolored. Without treatment, inflammation or eczema may occur.
• Spider veins and visible varicose veins: Small spider veins are fine, reddish-bluish venous branches. Later, visible varicose veins can appear as winding, protruding veins — a typical sign of varicosis.
• Night pain and calf cramps: Many patients complain of nighttime calf cramps or suddenly occurring varicose vein pain that becomes noticeable when lying down or at night.
• Sensation of heat or burning: Internal varicose veins can cause a sensation of heat or burning in the legs, especially in warmth or after prolonged standing.
• Increased skin pigmentation: In advanced venous disease, the skin on the lower legs becomes dark brown or reddish. The cause is chronic blood congestion in the veins.
• Skin hardening and ulcers: In severe cases, impaired circulation causes skin changes up to open legs (ulcus cruris). These are considered late consequences of untreated varicosis.
• Variceal bleeding: Rare but dangerous: variceal bleeding on the leg can occur when a superficial varicose vein is injured. Immediate action is required.
• Varicose veins in the intimate area or around the uterus: This form of internal varicose veins can cause pulling pain in the lower abdomen, a feeling of pressure or increased complaints during menstruation.
• Varicose veins in men: Men also frequently develop varicose veins on the thigh or in the groin. These can lead to swelling, pressure or pain after exercise.
• Fatigue and exhaustion: Chronic venous complaints can lead to general exhaustion, lack of concentration or sleep disturbances — especially with persistent varicose vein pain.

Overall: varicose veins are not just a cosmetic problem, but can indicate a serious venous weakness. Anyone who notices swelling, pain or visible venous changes should have a medical examination carried out early. This can help prevent complications such as thrombosis, venous inflammation or variceal bleeding in good time. Timely venous treatment or targeted treatment of venous complaints can help relieve varicose vein pain and sustainably improve circulation. Even those who do not want surgery for their varicose veins can successfully treat them with movement, compression stockings, naturopathy or kybun therapy.

Conventional therapy - What helps with varicose veins

Various conservative therapy options are available for the treatment of varicose veins so that surgery is not always necessary. The aim is to improve circulation, relieve pain and prevent the progression of varicosis. Some treatment options for varicose veins are outlined below. The list is not exhaustive. Different treatment options can also be combined. Medical consultation is recommended to determine the appropriate treatment for varicose veins.

• Compression stockings: Compression stockings are part of the basic therapy for varicose veins. They promote venous return, relieve swelling and prevent venous congestion. They are particularly helpful for symptoms of deep varicose veins.
• Venous exercises: Simple exercises such as ankle circles, standing on tiptoes or marching on the spot activate the calf muscle pump. This helps blood flow back to the heart better and reduces varicose vein pain.
• Everyday movement: Regular walking, cycling or swimming strengthens the leg muscles and improves venous function. Even a few minutes of movement a day can help reduce enlarged veins.
• Medications for varicose veins: Herbal venotonic agents with horse chestnut, red vine leaf or flavonoids strengthen the vein walls and reduce swelling. They are particularly suitable for mild venous diseases.
• Cold and contrast baths: Alternating showers stimulate circulation and firm the vein walls. Ideal for tired legs, burning varicose vein pain or hot weather.
• Elevation of the legs: Elevating the legs above heart level relieves the veins and reduces swelling. It helps reduce the feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially in the evening.
• Lymphatic drainage: Gentle manual techniques promote the removal of fluid from tissues. This reduces leg swelling and relieves the veins.
• Acupuncture: Targeted needle stimulation can improve blood circulation and vascular function. Acupuncture acts as a complementary therapy and also helps relieve varicose vein pain.
• Naturopathic preparations: Natural remedies such as witch hazel, horse chestnut or butcher’s broom support venous stability. They can be taken or applied as a complement to conventional medicine.
• Healthy diet: A vein-friendly diet with plenty of vegetables, fiber and sufficient fluids improves vascular health. Less salt and sugar help avoid fluid retention.
• Weight reduction: Every extra kilo increases pressure on the leg veins. Losing weight relieves the veins and prevents new varicose veins.
• Sclerotherapy: In this minimally invasive method, a solution is injected into the varicose vein to close it. The blood finds new routes through healthy veins.
• Laser or radiofrequency therapy: Expanded veins are closed from the inside using thermal energy. These procedures are gentle, effective and usually do not require surgery.
• Surgical removal (stripping): In pronounced varicosis, surgical removal may be necessary. Affected vein segments are removed to normalize blood flow.

kybun mode of action - What helps with knee osteoarthritis

The kybun products aim to reduce the negative effects of long periods of sitting, lack of movement and hard, flat floors. The elastic-springy material relieves the legs and veins, activates the muscles at the same time and thus supports venous circulation. This promotes the function of the venous valves, reduces swelling, tension and varicose vein pain and can prevent the formation of new varicose veins. kybun therapy is an effective method to treat venous disorders naturally and prevent varicose veins. The most important mechanisms of action that have a positive effect specifically on varicose veins are described below:

• Promotion of movement and reduction of sedentary behavior

  The kybun products bring more movement into everyday life and reduce sitting time — because the first steps on the elastic-springy material already feel pleasantly light and relieving. Regular movement plays a central role in preventing varicose veins and alleviating existing complaints. Walking on the elastic-springy surface of kybun products automatically activates the leg and foot muscles, even during short standing or walking phases. By reducing long periods of sitting, venous return is improved and typical varicose vein symptoms such as swelling, tired legs or burning varicose vein pain are reduced.

• Activation and strengthening of leg and foot muscles

  When walking and standing on the elastic-springy material, foot, calf and thigh muscles must continuously make small compensatory movements to maintain balance. This reflex-like activation trains the muscles responsible for venous return. At the same time, the activated muscles stabilize the foot arches, knee and hip joints so that a physiological gait develops and blood can be transported efficiently back to the heart. A well-functioning muscle pump system can reduce swelling, relieve typical varicose vein pain and slow the formation of new varices.

Balance and EMG

Balance ability was measured with a force plate by tracking movement of the center of gravity from front to back (ant-post) and side to side (med-lat) while standing. At the same time, electromyography (EMG) recorded muscle activity.

• Damping and natural foot roll

  When the heel strikes in kybun shoes, the elastic-springy material is compressed. This rebound effect of the sole means that part of the forces that occur are absorbed and can be returned for the push-off phase. The force absorption capacity of the kybun sole provides cushioning, reducing and delaying peak loads on the musculoskeletal system. This gives the responsible muscles extra time to perform a natural and physiological roll-off movement. Increasing the range of motion of the feet leads to more active muscle movement, allowing the essential muscle pump system to function effectively. This supports venous valve function and reduces complaints such as tired legs or a feeling of tension. This supports internal treatment of varicose veins and helps prevent varicose veins from developing.

• Improved circulation through increased movement activity

  The elastic-springy material of kybun products naturally promotes more foot movement — and thereby activates the overlying structures. Increased activity of the muscles in the foot, lower leg and thigh significantly improves venous circulation. Enhanced circulation helps reduce swelling as well as burning or pulling varicose complaints and promotes the removal of metabolic products from the tissue. At the same time, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the vessels is supported, which strengthens venous health in the long term.

• Care and protection of the fascia

  Walking on an elastic-springy surface induces a natural gait, which keeps the fascia mobile and supple. A healthy fascia network increases tissue elasticity and supports muscle function, which improves the muscle pump function and thus optimizes venous return. The gentle, rhythmic movement on the elastic-springy surface keeps the tissue supple, reduces pressure on the veins and alleviates typical symptoms of varicose veins.

Application tips for varicose veins

Before you use kybun products for the first time, you should observe some guidelines. Correct use can help alleviate varicose vein symptoms such as swelling, feelings of tension or burning pain.

• Wear kybun shoes initially only as long as your body allows. Take short breaks if leg fatigue, swelling or tension occurs. Activation of the leg muscles increases venous return, which can initially be perceived as a slight pulling or warmth.
• Avoid prolonged sitting, as this impedes venous return and can increase leg swelling. Use kybun products for walking, standing or short movement intervals to actively relieve the veins and support the muscle pump function.
• Press the heel consciously into the elastic-springy material when stepping. The cushioning relieves the veins and surrounding tissue and reduces peak loads on the legs.
• Roll the foot actively over the forefoot. This movement activates the foot and calf muscles, improves venous return and can significantly reduce swelling and tension.
• Vary your walking speed. Alternating between slow walking and short, faster steps intensifies activation of the leg muscle pump. This supports venous circulation, reduces the feeling of heaviness and may help prevent the formation of new varicose veins.
• Combine wearing kybun shoes with simple exercises such as standing on tiptoes, squats or ankle circles. This increases venous activity, strengthens the leg muscles and reduces the risk of swelling or complaints due to varicose veins.

Helpful exercises for varicose veins

To enhance the effect of kybun products and relieve complaints of varicose veins such as swelling, tension or burning pain, we recommend performing targeted exercises. We present five exercises for this purpose. The selection is not exhaustive and can be supplemented by other varicose vein exercises. In general: no exercise should worsen the pain.

Make full use of the range of motion in kybun shoes

• Press the heel deliberately deep into the elastic-springy material.
• Place midfoot and forefoot controlled to promote blood flow in the veins.
• Actively roll over the forefoot and use the full range of motion.

Squats

Squats strengthen the leg muscles, improve circulation and can relieve varicose vein pain.

• Starting position: standing, feet slightly wider than hip-width and slightly externally rotated.
• Slowly and controlled descend into a deep squat. Push the buttocks back and shift weight onto the heels.
• Ensure power comes from the glutes. Stabilize the knees so they do not collapse inward or outward.
• Slowly and controlled rise up again. If balance is a problem, hold on to a stable object with your hands.
• 3 sets of 8–12 repetitions.
• Perform 2–3 × weekly.

Air cycling

This exercise activates the muscle pump and supports internal treatment of varicose veins, especially for symptoms of deep varicose veins.

• Starting position: lying on your back
• Lift both legs so that there is a right angle between abdomen and thighs and between thighs and lower legs.
• Cycle the legs in the air
• 3 sets of 10–20 repetitions, 1–2 × daily.

Ankle circles while lying down

Regular ankle circles promote circulation, help reduce varicose vein swelling and can prevent the formation of new varices.

• Starting position: lying on your back
• Place one leg bent for stabilization. Lift the other leg so that there is a right angle between abdomen and thigh and between thigh and lower leg.
• Rotate the foot outward and inward at the ankle joint.
• 3 sets of 10–20 repetitions each, 1–2 × daily.

Tiptoe stand on kybun mat

This exercise strengthens the calf and foot muscles, activates venous return and can help relieve varicose vein pain.

• Stand hip-width apart. If necessary, hold on to a stable object.
• Raise the heels and hold a tiptoe stand for two seconds.
• Lower the heels slowly and controlled.
• 3 sets of 10–20 repetitions, 1–2 × daily.