Varicose veins are dilations of the leg veins caused by venous insufficiency. In other words, the veins cannot perform their function correctly as they cannot return the blood from the legs to the heart very well. This causes blood to collect in the legs, widening the veins, which become visible and palpable.
There are several causes of varicose veins, such as advanced age, genetics, pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle and being overweight. Although varicose veins cannot always be prevented, following certain recommendations can improve their appearance or stop them from progressing further. Some of these recommendations are:
Avoiding alcohol and tobacco use is also helpful. Although not directly related with the disease, it is associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, which can both lead to varicose veins. As well as these recommended habits to improve varicose veins, there are also numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments available. The main objective of treatments is to improve the symptoms and quality of life of patients and prevent possible complications. The main non-pharmacological treatment is the use of compression stockings. Using compression stockings has been shown to be more effective than pharmacological treatment, both in the prevention and treatment of varicose veins. Other treatments that can help are physiotherapy, drainage massages and pressotherapy.
Phlebotonics are the drugs used to treat this disease. However, despite their great variety, they are not effective for most patients. Surgical treatment is also possible in some cases, where it aims to treat the cause - normally venous reflux disease, due to impaired valve function - and remove the visible vein. Finally, in recent years, new therapies, such as endovenous laser therapy, foam sclerotherapy and radiofrequency, mechanical or chemical ablation, are being developed.