静脈瘤とは何ですか?

静脈瘤

静脈瘤は、皮膚の表面のすぐ下、最も一般的には脚と足首に形成される拡大したねじれた静脈です
静脈内の弁が弱くなったり機能不全になったりすると、血液が心臓に効率的に逆流するのではなく、血液が溜まってしまうと発症します
圧力がかかると、静脈が伸びたり、腫れたり、目に見えて歪んだりします
しばしば美容上の問題と考えられていますが、静脈瘤は時々不快感、腫れを引き起こし、場合によっては治療せずに放置するとより深刻な循環合併症を引き起こす可能性があります。

Symptons of Varicose Vein

静脈瘤は家族で走ることが多く、年齢とともにリスクが高まります。肥満、妊娠、長時間立っている必要がある仕事などの要因は、脚の静脈に追加の圧力をかけ、脚の発達に寄与する可能性があります。

静脈瘤は通常、皮膚のすぐ下に濃い青色の腫れた、ねじれた静脈として現れます。症状が出ない人もいれば、軽度から重度の不快感を感じる人もいます。

軽度の症状:

  • 脚の重さ、灼熱感、痛み、または疲労感があり、長時間立ったり座ったりすると悪化する可能性があります。
  • 足と足首の腫れ。
  • 患部の静脈の周りのかゆみ。

より深刻な症状:

  • しつこい足の腫れ。
  • ふくらはぎの痛みと腫れの増加は、長時間座ったり立ったりした後です。
  • 変色、乾燥、菲薄化、炎症などの皮膚の変化。
  • スケーリングまたは開いた痛みの形成。
  • 皮膚の弱体化による軽傷からの出血。

静脈瘤は一般的であり、ほとんどの場合、深刻な医学的問題ではありません。ただし、症状を早期に管理することで、合併症を予防し、快適さを向上させることができます。

Diagnosis of Varicose Veins

Diagnosing varicose veins typically involves a physical examination and, if necessary, imaging tests to assess the condition of the veins and blood flow.

1. Physical Examination

A doctor will begin by visually inspecting the affected veins while you are standing or sitting. They may ask about symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, or discomfort, and review your medical history, including risk factors like family history, pregnancy, or lifestyle habits.

2. Doppler Ultrasound

If further evaluation is needed, a Doppler ultrasound is commonly used. This non-invasive test utilizes sound waves to visualize blood flow in the veins and detect valve dysfunction, blockages, or blood clots (deep vein thrombosis – DVT).

3. Venous Duplex Ultrasound

A more detailed version of Doppler ultrasound, this test provides both structural and functional assessments of the veins. It helps identify reflux (backward blood flow) and determine the severity of varicose veins.

4. Additional Diagnostic Tests (If Necessary)

In rare cases, additional imaging tests such as venography (using contrast dye to highlight veins on X-rays) or MRI/CT scans may be used to evaluate more complex venous conditions.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Varicose veins are often harmless, but if you experience persistent pain, swelling, skin ulcers, or signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), seeking medical evaluation is crucial to prevent complications. Early diagnosis can help determine the best treatment options and prevent worsening symptoms.

Treatments for Varicose Veins

静脈瘤は 進行性の疾患であり、治療せずに放置すると時間の経過とともに悪化する傾向があります。医療は症状を効果的に管理し、外観を改善することができますが、 予防とライフスタイルの変更は長期的な管理の最も重要な側面です。治療後も、再発 を防ぎ、良好な静脈循環を維持するために、患者は健康的な習慣を身に付けなければなりません。

1. ライフスタイルの変更:予防と長期的な成功の鍵

ince varicose veins develop due to poor circulation and increased pressure in leg veins, modifying daily habits is essential to both prevention and post-treatment care. Even if you undergo medical treatment, failing to change your lifestyle may lead to recurrence.

Essential Lifestyle Changes for Varicose Veins

  • Wear Compression Stockings

    • Helps improve circulation by providing gentle pressure that supports vein function.
    • Recommended for individuals who stand or sit for long hours.
  • Elevate Your Legs Regularly

    • Raising your legs above heart level for 15–20 minutes several times a day reduces swelling and venous pressure.
    • Especially important for those experiencing leg fatigue or swelling after long periods of standing.
  • Stay Active & Exercise Regularly

    • Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling strengthen calf muscles, which help pump blood back to the heart.
    • Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods; incorporate movement into your daily routine.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight

    • Excess weight increases pressure on leg veins, worsening varicose veins and increasing the risk of recurrence.
    • A balanced diet rich in fiber and antioxidants can support vascular health.
  • Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing

    • If your job requires standing for long hours, shift weight between legs and take breaks to move.
    • If sitting for extended periods, flex and extend your feet or stand up periodically to promote circulation.
  • Stay Hydrated & Eat a Vein-Friendly Diet

    • Drinking plenty of water and consuming foods rich in flavonoids (citrus fruits, berries) can strengthen vein walls.
    • Reduce salt intake to prevent fluid retention and leg swelling.

Prevention is key! Without lifestyle changes, even successfully treated varicose veins can return. Long-term commitment to these habits is essential for maintaining healthy legs.

2. 静脈瘤の治療

静脈瘤が不快感や美容上の問題を引き起こす場合、 低侵襲手術で 効果的に症状を治療できます。これらの手順は通常、最小限の回復時間で 外来ベースで実行されます

非外科的および低侵襲的処置

  • 硬化療法: 小さな静脈瘤に薬液が注入され、時間の経過とともに静脈が崩壊して衰退します。
  • 静脈内レーザーアブレーション(EVLA)および高周波アブレーション(RFA): 熱エネルギーはカテーテルを通して供給され、病気の静脈を閉じます。
  • Venaseal™(医療用接着剤治療): 特殊な医療用接着剤を静脈に注入して静脈を密閉し、手術後の熱ベースの治療や圧縮ストッキングの必要性を排除します。

外科的治療(重症の場合)

進行した症例では、低侵襲治療が効果的でない場合、手術が必要になることがあります。

  • 瀉血: 小さな静脈瘤は、小さな切開によって除去されます。
  • 静脈ストリッピング&ライゲーション: より大きな静脈瘤は外科的に結ばれ、取り除かれます。

Venaseal™、EVLA、RFAなどの低侵襲治療の進歩により、今日では従来の手術が必要になることはめったにありません。

慢性静脈疾患(CEAP)および治療のための包括的な分類システム

VARIABLE VARICOSE VEIN

Variable Treatments

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a specialized thrombotic solution is injected directly into the varicose vein, causing it to collapse and gradually fade from view.

  • Spider vein,  small & focal vein
  • No anesthesia
  • 1~2 days resting
  • $ 150 USD / one leg

  • $ 220 USD / both leg

  • (About ₩ 100,000 KRW under Korea National Health Insurance)

Phlebectomy

An outpatient procedure that removes superficial veins through small, slit-like incisions, ideal for moderate-grade varicose veins without reflux in the groin area.

  • Tortuous  vein,  Too enlarged  vein
  • Local or sleep anesthesia
  • 4~7 days resting
  • $ 500 USD / one leg

  • $ 800 USD / both leg

  • (About ₩ 400,000 KRW under Korea National Health Insurance)

RF ablation

The ClosureFast™ procedure utilizes radiofrequency energy to precisely and effectively treat patients with chronic venous insufficiency, making it an ideal solution for severe-grade cases with reflux in the groin area.

  • Greater saphenous vein
  • sleep anesthesia
  • 3~4 days resting
  • $ 2,100 USD /one leg

  • $ 3,200 USD /both leg
  • (Not covered by Korea Health Insurance)

VenaSeal

The Venaseal™ procedure utilizes a medical adhesive to effectively and permanently seal varicose veins without the need for heat-based energy.

  • Minimally invasive with no need for tumescent anesthesia
  • Suitable for various vein sizes, including the greater & lesser saphenous vein
  • Immediate return to daily activities with minimal downtime
  • $ 2,800 USD /one leg

  • $ 3,500 USD /both leg

  • (Not covered by Korea Health Insurance)

Before & After

36歳男性、静脈摘出後、4週間後

62歳女性、EVLT後、11週間後

19歳男性、静脈摘出術と硬化療法後、6週間後

50歳女性 硬化療法後8週間後

The Importance Of Compression Stocking

Compression Therapy for Varicose Veins and Lymphedema

Compression therapy involves the use of specialized compression stockings to effectively manage varicose veins and lymphedema, promoting better circulation and reducing swelling.

How Gradient Compression Works

Gradient elastic stockings, first developed in the early 1950s by an engineer and patient, remain the gold standard for managing chronic venous disease. These stockings apply graduated pressure, which is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases up the leg. This controlled compression helps:

  • Prevent excessive expansion of superficial veins.
  • Reduce blood pooling and backward flow, minimizing congestion.
  • Alleviate symptoms such as leg discomfort, swelling, and varicose veins.

The Importance of Prevention

When it comes to varicose veins, prevention and recurrence prevention are just as important as treatment. Even after medical intervention, consistent use of compression stockings can help maintain healthy circulation and reduce the risk of future vein problems.

Where to Buy

To ensure the best quality and effectiveness, we recommend purchasing compression stockings from Evita Clinic or trusted online retailers.

Why Prevention & Lifestyle Changes Matter

Varicose veins are progressive – early prevention is crucial.

Even after treatment, recurrence is possible without lifestyle modifications.

Simple habits like leg elevation, compression stockings, and exercise can significantly reduce symptoms and prevent new varicose veins.

Taking control of your vein health through lifestyle changes and early intervention is the best way to ensure long-term success in managing varicose veins. Treatment can help, but your daily habits will determine the long-term outcome!

You can connect directly with our English coordinator for assistance.

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