The vene varicose, commonly called varices, are not only a very common imperfection among the Western population but they signal a problem with chronic venous insufficiency. It is a condition that should not be underestimated because it is the manifestation of a malfunction of the valves that allow blood to go up from the feet to the heart.
«Varicose veins are a disease of the veins, called varicose veins, which causes them to permanently dilate. The veins then become visible under the skin as bulges or cords and cause a stagnation of blood and liquids towards the lower leg area. That’s why swollen legs are a testament to this. This is not an aesthetic problem but a real one disease because the vein that becomes varicose no longer carries the blood correctly to the heart but lets it slide towards the periphery (towards the feet) overloading the microcirculation and preventing the correct oxygenation exchanges at the capillary level», Explains the Dr.. Giorgio Ovidio Bitossi, specialist in Vascular Surgery in Turin.
What are the causes and symptoms of varicose veins
The problem of varicose veins affects both men and women and begins to appear around the age of thirty. Among his cause there is genetic predisposition. In addition, standing too many hours in places with high temperatures, a sedentary life, the overweight and poor nutrition.
Women are more prone to varicose veins due to hormonal changes occurring during menopause, the menstrual cycle and, most importantly, in pregnancy. The first alarm bells are the heaviness in the legs accompanied by swelling and annoying tingling. Gradually, light ones appear on the legs and feet swellings. The latter can be purplish or blue in color. The situation worsens especially in summer, when tension and pain are felt at night.
How to cure varicose veins
«First of all, in cases that allow it, conservative therapy may be sufficient, which aims to avoid the complications of the disease without the need to perform any procedure. In this case I am referring to the constant use of compression stockings. These, today, have fortunately changed thanks to the commitment of the manufacturers, They allow us to use more comfortable materials, such as microfiber, and aesthetically more valid colors, forgetting the old flesh-colored sock only available in the past.», Underlines the expert.
If conservative therapy it is not enough today there is the non-invasive therapy which allows you to eliminate this problem without resorting to surgical cuts, stitches and local anesthesia.
«This was the real step forward from outdated stripping surgery. Today we simply proceed percutaneously or inserting our instruments inside the vein with a needle, as if we were doing a simple blood sample. Among the minimally invasive techniques available today to treat varicose veins there is the biological glue or superglue. It lends itself to being able to give us excellent results with the least possible discomfort. The technique involves inserting a very thin tube inside the diseased vessel which is made to rise inside the vessel under ultrasound control to the point that is needed. From that tube the glue is released inside the varice that definitively seals the diseased vessel throughout its course where necessary”, Remembers Dr. Bitossi.
This modern technique is painless and it doesn’t even need to anesthesia. In addition, it has been shown to be effective and does not even predict post-therapy problems. The patient can in fact resume his activities normally as early as the following day.
How to prevent varicose veins
When this problem is inherited, it can be prevented by consistently wearing graduated compression stockings. A bad habit to get rid of is that of cross your legs. Also, in order not to feel heavy and swollen legs, you should try not to stand for too long. During sleep, the ideal is to keep the legs and feet slightly elevated.
A healthy lifestyle and a constant physical exercise are of fundamental importance. Experts strongly recommend taking daily walks, cycling or swimming. In summer, however, avoid exercising outdoors during the hottest hours.
In the diet of those suffering from this problem, foods rich in should never be lacking fibre, such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, wheat germs. To be preferred are large leafy vegetables and fruit rich in antioxidants such as oranges, tangerines, kiwis, blackberries, currants, blueberries, apples and pears. The fish vegetable fat and oils. In order to counteract swelling and edema, melon, medlar, asparagus and celery perform a precious draining action. Go ahead also a green tea and herbal teas with a highly purifying action.