Varicose veins: everything you need to know

What are they? Varicose veins are dilations that occur when the valves inside the veins do not work well and cannot promote venous return. This accumulation of blood causes dilation of the veins and prevents them from performing their normal function. Although they can be found on the face (very small spider veins or varicose veins), in the esophagus (esophageal varicose veins) or in the anal region (hemorrhoids), the most common area of ​​appearance is on the legs. Varicose veins located there are not simply a beauty problem, but also a health problem. In addition to being unsightly - and in many cases painful - varicose veins can represent a vascular injury with subsequent development into a mild or serious pathology. But what makes them appear? There are different reasons: hereditary, hormonal factors (contraceptives, for example), diabetes, pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle, ingestion of alcoholic beverages, tobacco or excess caffeine and obesity, among others. The different stages of varicose veins have different levels according to their characteristics. Let’s see. Level 1: they do not cause symptoms, they are small venous dilations such as telangiectasias or small caliber veins (spider veins). Level 2: they present symptoms such as fatigue, heaviness, pain, edema, and night cramps. Generally associated with standing for a long time. Level 3: from here on, a great dilation of the vessels, a change in skin color (reddish or brownish), pain, local irritation or pruritus, sometimes with atrophic skin changes, is noted. Level 4: skin ulcerations, tissue atrophy, serious risk of thrombosis and infections appear. How to prevent its appearance Prevention for m part of the treatment, especially in those people who have a hereditary predisposition. Below are some habits to keep in mind: -Avoid standing or sitting for many hours in the same position. -Elevate your legs once a day, for approximately 30 minutes. -Take walks or exercises that promote circulation. -Take hot showers on your legs followed by cold showers. Alternating a few minutes of heat with others of cold. -Monitor the diet. It is important to follow a balanced diet, low in calories and rich in fiber. -Avoid oral contraceptives for prolonged periods, especially if there is a family history. -Wear comfortable shoes and wear socks that promote venous return. What is the appropriate treatment? In recent years, medicine has made great progress in search of the most effective method to improve venous circulation and reduce undesirable effects. Currently, for cases that do not respond to pharmacological treatment, non-invasive and invasive techniques have been developed that provide a range of solutions for each type of situation. The first step is to carry out a medical consultation to evaluate a careful medical history. Non-invasive treatments Among non-invasive treatments, the laser is – currently – the most effective and least invasive method available for solving vascular problems. This system is used to remove small spider veins and unsightly varicose veins quickly and painlessly. This laser even allows you to treat skin spots without damaging the tissues, so it does not cause scars. It is easy to apply and in just a few sessions it allows you to eliminate all injuries with immediate recovery. It is not only painless or, rather it does not leave signs and does not depigment the skin. It is a timeless treatment, since it can be performed at any time of the year, its results are unbeatable and are noticeable from the first week. Invasive treatments On the other hand, among invasive or surgical treatments there are several options that allow treating varicose syndrome and arch failure. The classic treatment consists of excision of the existing varicose bundles plus ligation of the bundles with perforating or collateral veins. Minimally invasive treatments have been developed, which do not completely remove the saphenous vein, consisting of ligating the points where pressure leaks from the deep to the superficial system. Another possibility is sclerosing treatment, which consists of the injection of a sclerosant so that the vein becomes necrotic. It is used only for small varicosities, never in level 3 or 4 varicose veins. Finally, the treatment with sclerosing microfoam, an evolution of the previous one, in which a sclerosing microfoam is injected through punctures in the varicose veins that cancel the vein, causing the body itself to cancel it. And the best advice: consultation with a specialist doctor is essential. He will be the one to evaluate the best treatment for each patient.