What to do if the calf muscles bulge

The bulging blue veins on the calves are an abnormal phenomenon. In most cases, it is caused by varicose veins. If varicose veins are diagnosed, they can be treated with conservative treatment, sclerotherapy or surgical treatment. Surgery is only recommended in certain circumstances. Below we will introduce three treatment methods for varicose veins in detail!

1. Conservative treatment

Varicose veins are just a symptom, and there are many diseases that may cause varicose veins in the lower limbs. Conservative treatment can be used for varicose veins with mild symptoms, pregnant women, and patients who are too old or whose systemic conditions make it difficult for surgery to be tolerated, including avoiding standing for long periods of time, intermittently raising the affected limb, wearing elastic stockings or wrapping with elastic bandages, and using oral medications to relieve symptoms.

2. Sclerotherapy

It refers to the local injection of a sclerosing agent to cause an inflammatory reaction in the diseased veins, thereby achieving the effect of "eliminating" varicose veins. Milder cases of varicose veins may respond better to sclerotherapy injections. Sclerotherapy is simple to operate, does not require hospitalization, and is easily accepted by patients, but it is not suitable for everyone.

3. Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment can be divided into traditional surgical treatment (such as high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein) and minimally invasive treatment. Traditional surgery has a slow recovery time and causes more wounds, and is currently being gradually replaced by minimally invasive treatments. There are many types of minimally invasive treatments, such as intravascular laser therapy, electrocoagulation therapy, radiofrequency therapy, etc. Minimally invasive treatment is characterized by quick recovery and less scarring, and is suitable for patients with low tolerance, poor physical condition and those who require aesthetic appearance. Generally speaking, all surgical treatments require hospitalization.

Surgery is usually needed in the following situations:

(1) Varicose veins seriously affect the appearance, especially for lesbians;

(2) Obvious color changes, recurrent non-healing ulcers, or skin eczema around the calves and ankles;

(3) Patients with varicose vein rupture and bleeding or complications such as thrombophlebitis.

Clinicians will decide on specific treatment plans based on the patient's specific situation and the patient's own wishes.