Venous Diseases and Their Causes
Venous diseases often develop due to a combination of hereditary factors and external influences. A congenital or age-related weakness of the connective tissue can impair vein function. Hormonal changes — for example due to taking birth control pills, during pregnancy, or during menopause — also affect the blood vessels and increase the risk of venous problems.In addition, several lifestyle factors can contribute to the development or worsening of venous diseases. These include being overweight, smoking, regular alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and strong or prolonged sun exposure, which further weakens the connective tissue.
Common conditions or symptoms associated with weakened veins include:
- Thrombosis (formation of a blood clot) and pulmonary embolism (when the clot travels to the lungs)
- Leg ulcers (chronic, slow-healing wounds)
- Vein inflammation (phlebitis)
- Spider veins (small, visible veins on the skin surface)
Compression therapy
with medical stockings
Compression therapy
The concept of compression therapy is based on a simple and effective mechanical principle: the application of an elastic textile around the leg. By applying graduated compression — highest pressure at the ankle and decreasing pressure towards the top — the compression stocking narrows the veins by gently pressing the limb. This helps the diseased venous valves close properly and prevents blood from flowing backward. As a result, venous blood flows more quickly and efficiently.
Compression therapy is also prescribed to prevent venous disorders during pregnancy or on long-distance flights. Depending on the condition, medical compression therapy can be applied using:
- socks,
- stockings,
- pantyhose,
- or bandages.
Controlled pressure
The principle of this therapy is to exert a controlled pressure on the limb. The pressure unit is the millimeter of mercury (mmHg) or the hecto Pascals (hPa). 1 mmHg = 1.33 hPa.