Varicose veins are dilated veins due to malfunctioning of their valves. When venous insufficiency exists for a long time, the walls of the veins become weak and damaged. This time, Dr. Raúl Panizo, cardiovascular surgeon at Clinica Ricardo Palma will give us more information on the subject.

Risk factors

There are factors that can predispose the development of varicose veins, such as:

• Age
• Family background
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Constipation
• Standing for a long time

Symptoms

Among the most common symptoms we find:

• Tingling sensation
• Itch
• Heaviness
• Leg cramps
• Varicose dilations
• Swelling in ankles and feet, among others

Treatment

Today, there are several treatments for varicose veins. Among these are:

• Sclerotherapy. Helps improve the aesthetic appearance of the affected area, while relieving the symptoms caused by this condition
• Surgery (Muller technique). It consists of performing a minimally invasive microsurgery that allows the removal of collateral varicose branches and small isolated varicose veins.
• Endoluminal laser. This treatment is used in patients with significant varicose dilations, using a heat source with fibers to burn the veins
• Radiofrequency. It is one of the least used techniques, the mechanism of occluding the veins is by sound

Prevention

To prevent varicose veins, it is recommended:

• Have a balanced diet
• Keep a healthy weight
• Avoid constipation
• Exercise regularly
• Wear special stockings
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle

Dr. Raúl Panizo
Cardiovascular surgeon at Clínica Ricardo Palma