Yaroslavl Clinic Now Treats Varicose Veins in Arms

Varicose veins are a disease that many associate with the lower limbs. However, dilated veins can also appear on the arms, causing not only aesthetic discomfort but also serious vascular problems. Previously, Yaroslavl patients with this condition had to travel to other cities for treatment, but now such procedures are available in Yaroslavl — at the Ya Zdorov Clinic.

We spoke with phlebologist Maksim Kazaku to learn how varicose veins in the upper limbs are diagnosed and treated, and why this direction in phlebology is a step forward for Yaroslavl medicine.

— Doctor, can varicose veins really develop on the arms?

— Yes, and although it occurs much less frequently than varicose veins in the lower limbs, it cannot be ignored. Varicose veins in the arms account for less than 1% of all cases, but patients are coming more often. Most of them are women who notice swollen, blue or greenish veins on their arms and are concerned not only about the appearance but also about unpleasant sensations — pulling pains, swelling, and numbness.

— Why do varicose veins in the upper limbs appear? Is there a risk group?

— There are several reasons, and age-related changes are one of the most common. Vessels lose elasticity, blood stagnates. Additionally, significant physical exertion, working with weights, active training can stretch venous walls. Hormonal fluctuations, heredity, and cardiovascular diseases also influence.

Sometimes vein dilation is not related to varicose veins but to natural hypertrophy of vessels in people with low body fat or regular arm exercises. In such cases, it is only an aesthetic feature. Our task is to conduct differential diagnosis and accurately determine whether there is varicose disease or just a visual effect.

— And how is diagnosis conducted?

— The basis of diagnosis is ultrasound duplex scanning — the «gold standard» in phlebology. It allows not only to see the veins on the screen but also to assess the nature of blood flow, the condition of valves, and the presence of blood clots.

Sometimes we supplement the study with Doppler ultrasound, coagulogram, and other tests to get a complete picture. It is important to rule out secondary varicose veins associated with thrombosis or compression of large vessels.

— What treatment is used today?

— Modern phlebology has advanced significantly. If previously, removal of varicose veins required anesthesia, hospitalization, and a full operation, now everything can be done on an outpatient basis, literally in an hour.

At the Ya Zdorov Clinic, we perform three main types of minimally invasive treatment: sclerotherapy and endovascular laser obliteration (EVLO).

Previously, such operations were not performed in Yaroslavl, and patients had to travel to Moscow or other major centers. Now all this can be done with us, without leaving the city.

— Is rehabilitation needed after such procedures?

— Special rehabilitation is not required. The patient gets up from the couch and can go home immediately. Sometimes we prescribe wearing a compression sleeve or light venotonics. After a couple of days, the person returns to normal life.

— And what happens if varicose veins are not treated?

— Without treatment, blood flow in the veins is disrupted, stagnant phenomena and blood clots form. Thrombophlebitis can develop, and in rare cases — thromboembolism, which is life-threatening. Therefore, varicose veins should be treated not only for beauty but also for vascular health.

— Can the appearance of varicose veins on the arms be prevented?

— It is important to avoid excessive loads, monitor weight, not overuse saunas and hot baths. With sedentary work, it is useful to do simple exercises: raise arms above heart level, rotate shoulders, unclench fingers. And, of course, one should not hesitate to come to the doctor for a consultation. The earlier we identify the problem, the easier it is to solve.

We are proud that we can offer city residents modern, safe, and aesthetic treatment for varicose veins in the upper limbs. For Yaroslavl, this is a new direction, and there are already excellent results. Modern medicine can solve such problems quickly and without pain.

To make an appointment at the medical center Ya Zdorov, call: +7 (485) 268-32-73. Address: Yaroslavl, Volodarskogo St., 52/55.