Varicose veins are dilated veins due to the malfunctioning of their valves. When there is venous insufficiency for a long time, the walls of the veins are weakened and damaged. Dr. Raul Panizo, a cardiovascular surgeon at our clinic, gives us more information on this subject.

Among the risk factors that may predispose to the development of varicose veins, we have:

• Age
• Family history
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Constipation
• Prolonged standing

Most common symptoms:

• Tingling sensation
• Itching
• Heaviness
• Leg cramps
• Varicose dilatations
• Swelling in the ankles and feet, among others.

Treatment

• Sclerotherapy. It helps to improve the aesthetic aspect of the affected area, relieving at the same time the symptoms produced by this condition.
• Surgery (Muller technique). It consists of performing 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 dilatations, 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.

To prevent varicose veins, it is advisable to

• Follow a balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Fighting constipation
• Exercising regularly
• Wear special stockings
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle

Dr. Raul Panizo
Cardiovascular surgeon at Clínica Ricardo Palma