Removing varicose veins | Expert advice on treatment
Welcome to VenaZiel - your specialized center for the treatment of varicose veins Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic problem. They can be caused by weak connective tissue and, if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications such as open ulcers or even life-threatening pulmonary embolisms. At VenaZiel, we understand the challenges associated with vein disease and offer you the most modern and effective treatments to alleviate your symptoms. Our highly specialized team of experienced specialists and therapists use the most advanced technologies to treat your varicose veins gently and effectively. We focus on individual diagnoses and tailor-made treatment concepts that are specifically adapted to your needs.

Medically tested by:
Chefarzt Dr. Hamidreza Mahoozi, FEBTS, FCCP
First publication:
June 23, 2024
Updated:
January 30, 2025
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins caused by a defect in the vein, usually due to abnormal blood flow caused by a deformed venous valve and a thin vein wall.
The reason for this is a weakness in the connective tissue, which means that the venous valves no longer function properly.
If left untreated, varicose veins can worsen and lead to open ulcers on the leg or, in rare cases, even to life-threatening pulmonary embolisms.
It is therefore important for you to know that some forms of varicose veins are dangerous, what you can do in principle and how you can find out more about varicose vein removal in Berlin.
In principle, any type of varicose veins should be treated quickly in order to avoid chronic and irreversible damage and varicosis in Berlin.
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How varicose veins develop
Varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can develop from a number of different causes:
- Increasing age
- Standing or sitting for long periods at work, even when working from home,
- Overweight
- Hormonal changes, e.g. due to taking the pill, pregnancy and the menopause
- Constricting clothing and tight shoes with high heels
- Smoking and frequent alcohol consumption
- Lack of exercise
Various factors lead to the venous valves in the veins no longer being able to close properly (the venous valves ensure that your blood always flows towards your heart…).

If the superficial veins widen due to blood congestion and shimmer through the skin, primarily on the calves or inner thighs, this is known as varicose veins. The superficial veins run just under the skin and collect the blood from the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The deep veins run in the deeper tissue layers of the body, usually surrounded by muscles. They contain the majority of the blood volume of the venous system (around 80-85%) and transport the blood from the legs back to the heart. Superficial and deep veins are in contact with each other via connecting veins.
As varicose veins often run in families, hereditary venous insufficiency appears to play a role in the development of varicose veins.
In this case, it is usually a congenital weakness of the connective tissue, which is particularly noticeable in the second half of life and then as spider veins.
Are varicose veins dangerous?
If varicose veins remain untreated for a long time, the consequences described above can worsen, as the backlog of blood in the vein places a great strain on the vessel and continues to increase.
At an advanced stage, venous insufficiency can occur, which can lead to the formation of ulcers on the lower leg, the “open leg”.
It also increases the risk of blood clots forming in the dilated vein. Such a thrombus can detach completely or partially from the vein wall and travel with the blood flow through the heart into the fine vessels of the lungs.
A life-threatening vascular occlusion can then occur there, a so-called pulmonary embolism.
Therefore, please seek medical advice for your suspicions at an early stage.
In most cases, the risk of serious complications can be significantly reduced by treating varicose veins appropriately.

How are varicose veins diagnosed?
If you suspect that you have varicose veins, a thorough examination by one of our specialists is essential.
They will first determine what type of varicose veins you have.
Current symptoms, medical history and a physical examination focusing on the legs usually provide the doctor with decisive information as to whether varicose vein treatment is necessary.
It must also be clarified whether deep leg veins are affected or whether there is another condition that can also cause water retention in the legs.

Pain due to varicose veins
Varicose veins not only cause visible veins, but also unpleasant pain that can have a significant impact on daily life. It is important to understand what symptoms can occur and how to effectively relieve this pain.
Types of pain from varicose veins
The pain caused by varicose veins varies depending on the severity and stage of the disease. Here are the most common types of pain experienced by those affected:
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs: Especially after prolonged standing or sitting. The veins can feel dilated due to the blood congestion, which leads to an uncomfortable, squeezing feeling.
- Sharp or burning pain: This can occur in the affected areas such as the calves or thighs and is often perceived as unpleasant and intense.
- Calf cramps: Sudden, painful cramps can occur, especially at night or after standing for a long time.
- Itching or skin changes: In more advanced varicose veins, the skin and tissue around the affected veins can become irritated, leading to itching and inflammation.
- Swelling: Often on the legs, which can increase over time, especially after prolonged standing.
How can varicose vein pain be relieved?
Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve the pain and improve quality of life. Here are some tried and tested methods:
- Elevate your legs: One of the simplest and most effective ways to promote blood circulation and reduce congestion is to elevate your legs. If possible, you should keep your legs higher than your heart for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
- Wear compression stockings: Compression stockings exert gentle pressure on the veins and support the return flow of blood to the heart. They can help to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Regular exercise: Moderate activities such as walking, cycling or swimming promote blood circulation and strengthen the vein walls. Avoid standing or sitting for long periods without movement.
- Cool foot baths: A cooling foot bath can help to relax the veins and relieve the symptoms of swelling and pain.
- Relaxing stretching exercises: Gentle stretching exercises for the legs can help to relieve tension and reduce pain. This can be particularly beneficial before going to bed.
- Pain-relieving ointments: There are various over-the-counter ointments that contain pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory active ingredients and can be applied directly to the affected areas.
- Medication: In some cases, painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help to relieve the pain. However, always consult a doctor before taking any medication.
When should you see a doctor?
If the pain caused by varicose veins is severe, persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, warmth or swelling, it is advisable to consult a vein specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the symptoms from worsening.
Removing varicose veins without surgery and anesthesia
We help you to recognize and understand the overall picture of your illness.
Understanding the causes of your vein disease is an important first step towards a cure.
As soon as our Vein center in Berlin has identified these causes together with you, a specialized specialist and his interdisciplinary team will take care of you.
They will answer your questions, assess your vein disease and create a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
This plan may include various modern methods for the treatment and removal of varicose veins.
Can varicose veins be prevented?
Yes, for example with a healthy lifestyle: In addition to a balanced diet, you should drink enough fluids every day and take regular exercise.
Walking, hiking, cycling, swimming or gymnastics not only help to reduce excess weight, but also activate the blood circulation and thus the work of the veins.
At work, you should avoid standing and sitting for long periods as much as possible.
It is advisable to take regular short breaks to move around, do foot exercises or put your legs up from time to time to make it easier for the blood to return to the leg veins.
It is also advisable to wear loose clothing, comfortable, flat shoes and perhaps even compression stockings.
In summer, the blood vessels dilate to help the body cool down.
However, this increases congestion in already weakened veins.
To support these veins, you can regularly shower your legs with cool water so that the veins constrict and the blood flows faster.
Thank you for reading all this difficult but very important information about varicose vein removal. Nevertheless, we would like to draw your attention to this once again:
- If you suspect even the smallest varicose vein, please consult a doctor immediately!
- Please take the preventive measures to heart so that no suspicion arises in the first place and you feel completely at ease!