Venous disorders get worse if they are not treated

Spider veins can be the first indication of a venous disorder. But they are more of a cosmetic problem than a medical one.

Phlebitis is something very different. Signs of phlebitis include significant redness, swelling, overheating and severe pain along the vein.

Phlebitis is caused, among other things, by venous weakness and varicose veins. These are visible on the surface of the skin as distended, snaked veins - not a pleasant sight.

But varicose veins are also of medical significance: They are no longer able to properly fulfil their function of transporting blood back towards the heart; blood does not flow as it should and it pools in the legs.

There are different causes of venous disorders, but most are due to a combination of factors. There is a high probability that a predisposition to venous diseases is hereditary.

Find out more about venous disorders here

Prevent venous disorders early on

Venous disorders are not curable! Venous diseases do not go away by themselves - damaged venous valves and dilated veins cannot be returned to their original state.

There are two options: "invasive" treatment, in which the spider veins and faulty veins are sclerosed or surgically removed, or "conservative" therapy with medical compression stockings, exercise therapy and medicine. The doctor determines which measures are necessary.