Varicose Veins?

When it comes to legs, cellulite is undoubtedly the most troubling condition for women. However, there are two other conditions that often lead to specialist consultations: varicose veins and edema.
​Varicose veins are defined as "dilations of the branches of the superficial venous network of the limbs" and, as explained, they arise due to a valve failure that causes a reflux toward the lower body. Unfortunately, varicose veins affect women much more than men - "in a ratio of about four to one," says the doctor - and the most significant factor influencing their appearance is genetic inheritance, meaning if both parents have them, it is highly likely that their daughters will too. However, women also present other conditions that favor the appearance of varicose veins. One of these is pregnancy, which increases pressure on the legs due to weight gain and, consequently, makes the venous system in these limbs appear overwhelmed. A second condition is a sedentary lifestyle. "In general, (women) have not had much physical exercise throughout their lives, so they usually have poorly developed leg muscles. And this is important for preventing reflux and improving venous drainage," says the vascular surgeon. "We must act according to the error, determine the cause (of varicose veins), and treat them," says Alfredo Arriagada. Edema is another reason why women often consult specialists for symptoms such as pain, fatigue, heaviness, or cramps. Its origin often results from poor muscle condition in the legs, but it can also be caused by hormonal factors, as women tend to retain a bit more fluid, especially during menstruation, which obstructs the pelvic area and eventually affects the legs. According to the vascular surgeon, however, there are also more "complicated" cases of edema. This is the case with lymphatic vessels that affect women who were born with poor drainage or have suffered trauma or infections in the limbs. "Lymphatic fluid remains at the bottom, and in these cases, treatment is sometimes a bit more difficult," explains the specialist. Edema can be treated, but it may also recur or worsen, for example, due to heat, which causes expansion, leading to slower venous and lymphatic flows. For this reason, cases of edema generally increase during the summer season.


Practical recommendations to avoid having to battle against varicose veins and edema:

1.- Take care during pregnancy: According to the doctor, the worst pregnancies are those where the future mother does not engage in physical activity, gains excessive weight, expects a large baby (over four kilograms), or has a multiple pregnancy. "All these situations worsen the venous function of the limbs," he says.

2.- Do not excessively gain weight: "It's not that being overweight causes varicose veins, but it's a contributing factor," says the specialist.

3.- Do sports: Any exercise is helpful. "Pilates, spinning, swimming, whatever you prefer," says Arriagada. Walking is also very useful.

4.- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle: "Sitting in front of a computer for five hours a day is very bad," warns the vascular surgeon. While the pressure on the legs is lower, they are still in a vertical position. Not to mention women who have to stand all day. In these cases, the advice is to activate venous circulation through movement. "Standing on the balls of your feet (tiptoe) is an excellent exercise that can even be done while seated, as it contracts the calf muscles and helps with venous return flow," he suggests.

5.- Elevate the legs: If moving around at work is impossible, another option is to go home and elevate the legs, either by placing them on cushions or the bed's backrest. "10 or 15 minutes is enough, because it results in spontaneous drainage that relieves pressure and fatigue," says the specialist.

6.- Use elastic supports or compression stockings: According to the doctor, these compress the entire superficial circulation, preventing the dilation of venous networks and helping blood flow upwards more quickly and easily. The result: the legs swell less and don’t feel as tired.

7.- Massages: Although commonly offered at aesthetic centers, Alfredo Arriagada warns that their usefulness is only real in cases of edema diagnosed as lymphatic. "In these cases, massage plays an important role, whether manual, kinesiological, or even using machines," he says. For this reason, the vascular surgeon suggests it is crucial to carefully evaluate the cause of the problem and address the factors that have caused it.


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