Varicose veins are caused by vascular degeneration. Many workers, especially those who have to stand or sit and work for a long time, are vulnerable to varicose veins. The customer Anna, a female teacher, has been suffering from varicose veins for a long time, the condition getting even worse in recent years. She later received proper treatment with the help of Cigna's Care Manager.
Female Teacher Suffers from Varicose Veins which Affects Her Daily Live
Anna, 50, suffers from varicose veins in the lower limbs after decades of teaching, in which prolonged standing is required. In recent years, the situation has become worse. She is often plagued by symptoms like foot pain and swelling, affecting both her daily life and work. After work, she has to take more rest to ease the pain. She initially sought medical consultation from a non-networked doctor and planned to undergo a microsurgical varicocelectomy at the cost of about HK$130,000. According to her employer's corporate medical insurance policy, Anna would have to pay more than HK$20,000 for the operation. Anna wished to seek more professional medical advice, including for cheaper treatment options and other treatments without hospitalization. Care Manager then followed up on her case.
Take a Second Piece of Medical Advice to Avoid Hospitalization amidst the Severe Pandemic
After learning about Anna's condition, the Care Manager explained to her the various treatments for varicose veins and found another doctor to provid her with a second piece of medical advice. Anna was given a consultation on the same day and was given a noninvasive treatment for varicose veins by a network doctor, and was advised to wear appropriate compression socks to relieve her pain. Finally, Anna agreed and accepted the recommendation, thereby avoiding unnecessary invasive surgery and relieving her from the fear of being hospitalized in a difficult moment.
Anna's varicose veins improved over time. Later, she thanked Care Manager for the considerate and quick arrangements, which allowed her condition to be brought under control, with a more negligible impact on her daily life. She was also relieved from the high medical expenses and burden. In this case, Anna, the customer, received appropriate treatment through a network doctor without paying the previously mentioned operating expenses.
Urban people Have to Watch out for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are caused by abnormal venous function to return blood to the heart, resulting in vasodilatory deformation, most of which is found in venous vessels in the lower extremities. Besides elderly, people who need to stand for a long time are at high risk of having varicose veins, such as salesmen, stewards, teachers, security guards and waiters. So, these problems have plagued many workers.
High-risk Factors for Varicose Veins:
- Age, pregnancy, obesity
- A family history of varicose veins
- Stand or sit for extended periods, resulting in increased venous pressure in the lower limbs
- Other causes include complications due to thromboembolic in the lower extremities
Doctors recommend that those who need to work in prolonged standing or sitting positions should move around or change their posture from time to time, and move their lower extremities at intervals, such as lifting their heels. The muscles of the lower legs will contract after walking, which will help blood return to the heart and help prevent and control varicose veins. The Occupational Safety and Health Council provides the following recommendations for working families:
- Arrange breaks appropriately after standing for a long time, such as sitting for 10 to 15 minutes after standing for 2 to 3 hours
- Arrange your work flexibly to rest your feet
- Maintain a good weight, prevent obesity, and reduce pressure on the lower limbs
- Provide suitable seating for employees in the location of work
- If you need to stand at work, you can rest your feet on the pedal alternatively
Besides, a person with varicose veins may, while sitting or lying down, place his lower legs on top of objects such as a cushion to facilitate the return of blood from the lower extremities. Avoid wearing tight pants during weekdays to avoid affecting your blood circulation. At the same time, professional and breathable compression socks can be purchased and worn during the day at the advice of medical staff. Taking more exercise on weekdays helps build up calf muscles and improve the flow back of blood in affected areas.
Cigna’s Care Manager Provides You with Heart-warming Services
At present, Cigna’s customers can receive our Healthcare Concierge Service when receiving treatment, including a dedicated Care Manager for follow-up. The services are as follows:
- Staffed by registered nurses and provide customers with professional advisory if they are facing health issue
- Understands and analyzes the health condition of customers, and offers network doctor options
- Coordinates and follows up on hospital surgery or treatment arrangements and post-surgery visit
- Provides information on improving health, and post-discharge follow-up in person(for example, arranging post-discharge physiotherapy, nutrition guidance, meal delivery service, and more)
- Refers you to personalized services (for example, local limousine transportation to the hospital, nursing arrangements, virtual consultation, medication delivery, home modification, and more)
- Provides emotional support for customers and their family
- Helps arrange “Cigna Health Services At Home” to reduce the risk of infection
The above content is adapted from real cases. Should you have any questions regarding the above case, please contact Cigna for inquiries.
The content of the article cannot substitute for professional opinions or diagnosis of the attending doctors. Should you have any questions regarding the medical treatment plan, please consult your attending doctor.
The content of the above article is for reference only, and Cigna does not warrant or make any representation regarding the accuracy and completeness of the related content and information. Cigna shall not be liable for any damages, indemnities, costs or other expenses arising out of the related content and information.
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