- How the treatment is done
- Home treatment
- Possible complications
- Main symptoms of varicose veins
- Pelvic varicose veins
- Esophageal varices
- Main causes
- Varicose veins in pregnancy
Varicose veins are dilated veins that can be easily seen under the skin, which arise especially in the legs, causing pain and discomfort. They can be caused by poor circulation, especially during pregnancy and menopause, but it especially affects the elderly.
Varicose veins happen more frequently in women, but they can also appear in men, because the factors that influence the occurrence of varicose veins are very diverse, which can happen due to the person sitting or standing for a long time, for example. The diagnosis of varicose veins is usually made by the angiologist or vascular surgeon according to the characteristics of the varicose veins and associated symptoms.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of varicose veins can be done with the improvement of blood circulation, changing lifestyle, taking medicine for varicose veins or making treatments such as the application of substances directly on the varicose veins or surgery in the most severe cases. In the case of varicose veins that cause a lot of pain in the legs, treatment can be done through:
- Sclerotherapy, which is a treatment that consists of applying substances directly to the varicose vein or laser to remove varicose veins and relieve symptoms; Surgery, which is indicated when the varicose veins have a large caliber and cause symptoms such as pain, itching and swelling in the legs that can compromise movement.
The choice of treatment is made by the angiologist or vascular surgeon, where the location of the varicose vein, size and associated symptoms are analyzed. Learn more about the treatment of varicose veins.
In addition, some doctor's recommendations to be adopted after treatment or to prevent varicose veins are:
- Wear elastic compression stockings under medical guidance, as they improve venous return and decrease the chances of varicose veins occurring or returning; Use medications for varicose veins, such as Varicell and Antistax, according to medical advice - See other remedies indicated for treating varicose veins. a wedge in the foot on the bed to facilitate the return of blood to the heart; exercise regularly with the guidance of a professional; perform lymphatic drainage 3 times a week; consume foods such as horse chestnut, which improves blood circulation; Sit and lie down with your legs up;
In addition, it is important to avoid wearing high heels, sitting or standing for a long time, as these situations can favor the appearance of varicose veins.
Home treatment
The home treatment for varicose veins consists of the use of natural medicines, such as Novarrutina, for example, as it contains substances capable of relieving pain and swelling in the legs. In addition, compresses can be made with cabbage and thistle tea, as they can reduce symptoms and bring a sense of well-being. See 8 home remedies for varicose veins.
Possible complications
When varicose veins are not treated properly, there may be complications such as dermatitis, eczema, leg ulcers, thrombophlebitis, pain and deep vein thrombosis, which is a serious situation in which thrombi (clots) form in the leg veins that can make it difficult or block the passage of blood. Learn more about deep vein thrombosis.
Main symptoms of varicose veins
The main symptoms that happen in varicose veins are:
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs; Tingling; Sensitivity in the region; Dark spots on the leg; Itching.
It is important to observe the characteristics of the varicose veins, as well as the associated symptoms, so that the treatment guidance by the doctor is as correct as possible.
Pelvic varicose veins
Pelvic varices have the same cause as varicose veins in the legs, however, they are located in the pelvic region, that is, they appear around the uterus, tubes and ovaries, causing severe abdominal pain in women. This pain can be felt during after sex, a feeling of heaviness in the intimate area, increased menstrual flow and urinary incontinence. See how to identify and treat pelvic varices.
Pelvic varices can be identified by means of tomography of the abdomen or the pelvic region, angioresonance or phlebography, which is a kind of X-ray that allows the visualization of the veins after the injection of a contrast.
Esophageal varices
Esophageal varices usually have no symptoms, but when they bleed, it can lead to vomiting with blood, blood in the stool, dizziness and loss of consciousness. This type of varix usually occurs due to liver cirrhosis, which ends up obstructing the circulation of the portal system and increasing venous pressure in the esophagus.
The diagnosis of esophageal varices can be made by digestive endoscopy and imaging tests, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Learn how to treat varicose veins in the esophagus.
Main causes
Varicose veins are more common in pregnant women or menopause, but they can happen less frequently in men. Some situations that can influence the occurrence of varicose veins are:
- Use of contraceptives; Obesity; Sedentary lifestyle; Professional activity, as sitting or standing for a long time can lead to the appearance of varicose veins.
In addition, varicose veins can be the result of genetic factors, being considered a hereditary condition.
Varicose veins in pregnancy
The appearance of varicose veins in pregnancy is normal and is due to weight gain, belly growth due to hormonal changes and due to increased difficulty in blood circulation. Varicose veins in pregnancy can appear on the legs and feet, in the groin, in the uterus and in the anal area, which are hemorrhoids.
What you can do to alleviate the discomfort of varicose veins in pregnancy is to use medical therapeutic stockings, avoid standing for a long time or sitting with your feet on the floor, drinking plenty of water and placing a wedge at the foot of the bed. The use of drugs for varicose veins during pregnancy is contraindicated.
