Varicose veins, phlebitis, and thrombophlebitis develop in connection with venous blood stasis, which is promoted by occupations involving prolonged standing, a sedentary lifestyle, and similar factors.
Blood stagnation is one of the causes of microbial accumulation and the development of inflammatory processes in the walls of the veins - that is, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis.
In this regard, nonspecific treatment should be directed toward restoring venous blood flow and revitalizing overall peripheral circulation.
In the treatment of such conditions, Zalmanov recommended hydrotherapy procedures aimed at eliminating venous stasis, namely: soda baths with alum.
In cases of marked venous dilation and pronounced congestion, a course of yellow turpentine baths (30–40 sessions) was administered following a series of soda baths (20 sessions). Every six weeks, leeches were applied to the legs near the venous nodes.
All of these procedures actively contributed to restoring venous tone, accelerating blood flow, increasing diuresis, and reducing edema. Careful adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen in such cases generally improved the patient’s condition and often eliminated the need for surgical intervention.