What does it mean when varicose veins occasionally have blocked blood flow?

Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
Updated on September 17, 2024
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The so-called varicose veins are caused by blood circulation blockages, which likely refers to local thrombus formation, leading to feelings of congestion in lower limbs, or caused by compression from above, such as tight clothing, exacerbating the obstruction of blood flow. This might result in increased surface tension of varicose veins in the lower extremities. Additionally, there might be some pain upon pressing, or even spontaneous pain.

In such cases, differentiated treatment is required. For instance, if the issue is due to compressive clothing, like tight-knee socks or pants legs that are too tight, simply relieving the pressure should suffice.

However, if a thrombus has formed causing increased local tension, pressing or massaging must be strictly avoided, as there is a risk the thrombus might dislodge and potentially lead to pulmonary embolism.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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Can people with varicose veins in the lower extremities drink alcohol?

The majority of patients with varicose veins in the lower limbs can drink alcohol in moderation, but should not drink excessively. However, there is one circumstance where it is advisable to check carefully before deciding whether to drink alcohol. This is the case if there are severe varicose veins in both lower limbs and even some clearly visible dilated veins on the abdomen. In such cases, it's recommended to check the liver first. This is because the veins from the lower limbs join to form a vein called the inferior vena cava, which passes through the liver to return to the heart. If there is a problem with the liver, it may compress the inferior vena cava, causing varicose veins on both sides. In this situation, drinking alcohol could further damage the liver, potentially worsening the varicose veins.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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How should young people deal with varicose veins in the lower legs?

Firstly, for young people with varicose veins in the lower leg, it is recommended to go to the hospital for an ultrasound examination to check the condition of the deep veins. Additionally, consult a professional vascular surgeon to assess the severity. If the deep veins are unobstructed and the superficial varicose veins in the lower leg are not too severe, the doctor will suggest the patient wear medical compression stockings and continue with normal life activities. If the condition is more serious or there are certain issues with the deep veins, the doctor might recommend surgery. For such patients, it is important in daily life to avoid standing or sitting for long periods, and to avoid letting the legs dangle for too long. If standing, one can also step in place appropriately, which helps alleviate varicose veins. Also, when resting, take any opportunity to elevate the legs and avoid soaking feet in hot water.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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Why does varicose veins sometimes feel like needle pricks?

In cases of varicose veins, the blood flow in the varicose veins is relatively slow. This blood, having undergone gas exchange, contains less oxygen and more carbon dioxide. If such blood remains in a local area for an extended period, it can potentially stimulate the nerves to some extent. Sometimes, including in varicose veins, if the blood flow pressure within these veins increases, it can also stimulate the nerves in the outer membrane of the blood vessels, leading to abnormal nerve discharges. Such incidents can manifest as brief, pin-like pain, not particularly intense, resembling the sensation of a needle prick. This condition is quite common and generally holds no special significance.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What are the symptoms of varicocele?

If the patient has mild varicocele, they often have no symptoms and it is not easily detected; in such cases, no special treatment is needed. However, with moderate or severe varicocele, the patient may experience a dragging pain in the testicles, especially after intense physical activity, prolonged sitting, or standing, which makes the pain more pronounced. During a physical examination, twisted, worm-like clusters of veins can be felt within the scrotum. Patients with varicocele should undergo further routine semen analysis to assess if the semen quality is affected. If sperm quality is impacted, it could lead to a decline in male fertility, and surgical treatment should be considered when necessary.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Can bilateral varicocele be cured?

After the occurrence of varicocele, some patients may experience a feeling of heaviness and pain in the scrotum, which is often more apparent after prolonged standing, sitting, or intense exercise, and gradually alleviates after lying down and resting. During physical examination, tortuous veins similar to earthworms can be felt inside the scrotum. A color Doppler ultrasound examination is needed for further clarification. For bilateral varicoceles, it is currently curable. The main treatment method is surgical intervention, such as laparoscopic high ligation of the spermatic veins on both sides. This surgical approach is a minimally invasive procedure and the surgical outcomes are quite definite. Generally, a recovery period of 3-6 months after surgery is expected before complete recovery.