Varicose veins on the hands
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Varicose veins in the hands are enlarged, elongated, and often twisted superficial veins, visible mainly on the backs of the hands, wrists, and forearms. Unlike varicose veins in the lower limbs, they are less likely to pose a direct health threat, but they can be a symptom of hemodynamic disturbances, structural changes in the vessel wall, or systemic diseases. For many patients, the issue is cosmetic, but it should not be underestimated—especially if accompanied by pain, a feeling of heaviness, swelling, or skin changes. The assessment of varicose veins in the hands requires an interdisciplinary approach, encompassing phlebology, angiology, and the diagnosis of systemic diseases.
Varicose Veins on the Hands - Prevention
Hand vein prevention focuses on protecting the walls of venous vessels, improving venous circulation, and limiting factors that contribute to their expansion. Although not all causes are modifiable (e.g., age or genetic predispositions), many lifestyle elements have a real impact on vein health.
The most important preventive measures include:
- Regular physical activity of moderate intensity (e.g., walking, swimming, resistance exercises with light weights), which improves venous return.
- Avoiding prolonged immobilization of the upper limbs, especially in a lowered position.
- Limiting exposure to high temperatures (saunas, hot baths), which cause vessel dilation.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight, which reduces the burden on the venous system.
- Proper hydration of the body, affecting blood viscosity and microcirculation.
- A diet rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, and rutin, which support the elasticity of vessel walls.
- Avoiding tobacco smoking, which damages the endothelial lining of vessels.
- In selected cases: using compression sleeves (e.g., after surgical procedures or in cases prone to swelling).
Prevention is particularly important for individuals who perform work that requires prolonged use of hands in one position, athletes, and patients with a history of vascular diseases.
Varicose veins in the hands – causes
The causes of varicose veins in the hands are multifactorial and include both local and systemic changes. The key mechanism is the weakening of the venous wall and the dysfunction of venous valves, leading to blood pooling and vessel lumen dilation.
The most common causes are:
- Aging process of the body – with age, there is a loss of collagen and elastin in the vessel walls.
- Genetic predisposition – congenital weakness of connective tissue.
- Low subcutaneous tissue content – in lean individuals, veins are more visible and prone to dilation.
- Intense physical exertion of the upper limbs, especially strength training.
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, hormone therapy), affecting vessel tone.
- Previous injuries, surgical procedures, or intravenous punctures, leading to local flow disturbances.
- Systemic diseases, such as chronic venous insufficiency, coagulation disorders, or heart diseases.
- Thrombosis of superficial or deep veins of the upper limbs – less common but clinically significant.
In diagnosis, Doppler ultrasound examination is of key importance, allowing assessment of vein patency, flow direction, and valve function.
Varicose veins on the hands – treatment
Treatment of varicose veins in the hands should be individualized and dependent on the cause, the degree of progression, and the presence of clinical symptoms. In many cases, invasive treatment is not required, but the onset of pain or the progression of changes indicates the need for intervention.
Conservative management includes:
- Lifestyle modification and elimination of risk factors.
- Phlebotropic pharmacotherapy, supporting venous tone and microcirculation.
- Vascular physiotherapy and lymphatic drainage techniques.
- Compression therapy, used periodically.
In the absence of improvement or significant changes, procedural methods are used. The decision for invasive treatment should be preceded by comprehensive phlebological diagnostics, as varicose veins in the hands may mask deeper venous circulation disorders. The treatment aims not only to improve aesthetics but primarily to restore proper blood flow and prevent complications, such as thrombophlebitis.
Treatments for varicose veins on the hands
Interventional treatment of varicose veins on the hands involves modern, minimally invasive techniques, tailored to the delicate anatomy of the upper limbs. These procedures are performed following a thorough medical qualification and ultrasound assessment.
The most commonly used methods are:
- Sclerotherapy – injecting a sclerosing agent into the vein lumen, leading to its closure and gradual disappearance.
- Endovenous or transdermal laser therapy, causing thermal contraction of the vessel.
- Surgical procedures with limited scope – used exceptionally, for large, isolated varicose veins.
- Therapies supporting the improvement of skin and vessel quality, reducing the visibility of veins by improving tissue tension and density.
The effects of the treatments include:
- reduction or complete removal of enlarged veins,
- improvement in the functional comfort of the hand,
- halting the progression of vascular changes,
- enhancement of the aesthetics of the hands and forearms.
The choice of method should always be based on medical indications, not solely on visual aspects. Treating varicose veins on the hands requires precision – it is an area where excessive interference can do more harm than good. Therefore, qualification by an experienced doctor and a realistic assessment of therapeutic possibilities are crucial.
