Varices: Causes, symptoms, treatments and prevention

Varices are a disease that affects a large part of the population and although they are more frequent in female sex, it also affects men very frequently.

For some people, it is a merely aesthetic problem, but for others, they can become a health problem with serious complications if they are not treated in time.

We want to thank Dr. Cristina Feijoo Cano, specialist in angiology and vascular surgery at the Viamed Montecanal hospital, for her valuable collaboration in the elaboration of this article. Their experience and knowledge have been key to offering precise and useful information about varicose veins, a condition that affects a large part of the population.

What are varicose veins?

The legs of the legs have valves that when closing favor the impulse of the blood of return to the heart, overcoming the force of gravity. There are several factors that can alter the functioning of these valves and delay the venous wall, causing the veins to increase in size progressively, below the skin. Most of the time they can be identified with the naked eye or touch.

This blood that has difficulty returning to the heart and is accumulated in the varicose veins, causes venous hypertension in calves and ankles, which, over time, can lead to complications such as edema, thrombosis, bleeding or chronic ulcers.

For this reason, we must not consider that varicose veins are a merely aesthetic problem, but are a health problem that can have important consequences.

Why do varicose veins appear?

Varices can appear due to a combination of factors, such as the following:

Most important risk factors:

• Age: It is more frequent in older people due to the natural wear of venous valves.
• Sex: Women are more likely to develop them by the action of estrogens. Pregnancy can also increase the appearance of varicose veins.
• Overweight It is the modifiable risk factor that most influences the appearance of varicose veins and that they leave again after an intervention.
• Lifestyle: Sedentary lifestyle, standing for long hours without moving or lack of exercise.
• Genetics: Having a family history of varicose veins increases risk.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Varices may not cause pain in the initial stages, but over time symptoms usually get worse. Among the most common are:

• Heaviness on the legs.
• Itching
• Muscle cramps.
• Swelling, especially at the end of the day and in summer.

In summer, symptoms usually aggravate due to the effect of heat. If they are not treated, varicose veins can progress towards more serious complications.

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

The diagnosis of varicose veins is mainly clinical, based on the symptoms referred to in the patient and the physical examination of the legs. The venous doppler echo is essential to confirm the origin of these varicose veins and plan an adequate treatment.

What treatments are available for varicose veins?

Today, varicose veins can be treated effectively thanks to modern techniques that are less invasive and offer rapid recovery.

Most common treatments:

• Laser or radiofrequency catheters: They are devices that are introduced into the sick vein and by heat they close the vein so that it becomes a scar that the body reabsorbs over the months.
• Sclerosis: It consists of injecting a drug into the vein that inflames it inside so that it fibrose and disappears.
• Percutaneous laser: It acts directly on the skin to treat smaller and superficial varicose veins. It has good results in reddish or purple facial capillaries.

• Ultrasound: They apply above the skin, without wounds, although promising, they still need more studies to confirm their long -term effectiveness.

There are usually complications after treatments?

Complications are minimal today. Postoperative pain is mild and bruises disappear in a few weeks. Recovery is fast, and patients can resume their usual routine and sports activities practically from day one.

How can varicose veins be prevented?

Although it is not always possible to prevent them completely due to age, genetic or hormonal factors, adopting certain habits can reduce the risk:

• Perform regularly to activate the circulation, walk, swim, bicycle …
• Avoid standing without moving for long hours.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Use compressive socks if work or circumstances require it.

Today, compressive socks are available in comfortable and aesthetic designs, which facilitates their use with daily clothes or uniform.

If, despite taking these measures, the varicose veins appear, it is important to go to a specialist in angiology and vascular surgery to obtain an adequate diagnosis and treatment.

Varices are not just an aesthetic problem; They also represent a medical condition that can impact the quality of life if they are not treated in time. From mild symptoms such as heaviness in the legs to serious complications such as ulcers or thrombosis, it is important to address this problem in an integral way.

In Viamed we have specialists in angiology and vascular surgery that can help you find the most appropriate treatment for your needs. Do not let varices affect your health; Check with us today.