Factors that affect our veins include occupations that involve a lot of standing, being overweight and connective tissue weakness. The development of venous problems is also encouraged by alcohol, which causes blood vessels to dilate, hormonal changes in pregnancy and those caused by medicines, as well as persistent constipation. Women are affected more often than men. If you are not certain whether your veins are healthy ask your doctor for expert advice.

With some venous problems, it is often sufficient just to start wearing compression stockings in good time in order to maintain the health of your legs.

The discomfort of venous problems is minor to begin with, because slight changes in the leg veins cause no pain. If left untreated, venous disorders can become chronic. This often results in avoidable, costly complications – from varicose veins to leg ulcers. Treatment then becomes time-consuming and expensive.

The most common diseases of the leg veins are:

• Spider veins
• Varicose veins
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Inflammation of the veins (phlebitis)
• Leg ulcers