Venous health: a determining factor in the prevention of varicose veins

Caring for venous health is essential to prevent the onset and progression of varicose veins in the legs, a very common vascular condition that can cause symptoms such as heaviness, pain, swelling, or fatigue in the lower limbs. When the venous system does not function properly, blood tends to pool in the veins, promoting their dilation and the development of varicose veins.

In these cases, an evaluation by a specialist in angiology and vascular surgery makes it possible to determine the most appropriate therapeutic approach based on the type, size, and location of the varicose veins, as well as the clinical situation of each patient. Today, effective techniques are available that allow venous insufficiency to be treated on an outpatient basis with quick recovery times.

Among the available options, sclerotherapy has become one of the most widely used techniques due to its effectiveness and minimally invasive nature. This procedure involves injecting a medication directly into the affected vein, triggering a controlled reaction that promotes its gradual closure and subsequent reabsorption.

"It is a procedure performed in the office, without the need for hospitalization, allowing patients to resume their usual activities almost immediately, following simple medical recommendations," explains Dr. Francisco Javier de Abajo Fernández, Head of the Phlebology Unit of the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Department at Hospital Ruber Internacional and Ruber Internacional Centro Médico Habana.

According to the specialist, treatment is carried out over several sessions, generally on a weekly basis, and after each session the patient can continue with daily life. The technique is adapted to the type of varicose vein through two main modalities: liquid sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy.

"Liquid sclerotherapy is mainly used to treat very fine vessels, such as telangiectasias or reticular veins, popularly known as spider veins, which, although often considered a cosmetic issue, are also part of venous disease," notes Dr. de Abajo. After each session, the use of an elastic compression stocking is recommended for three days, as well as walking for at least 15 minutes immediately after treatment. After this period, the patient may remove the stocking at home and begin applying creams to promote the reabsorption of small bruises.

Foam sclerotherapy, on the other hand, is indicated for larger-caliber varicose veins, often residual veins after previous surgery, although it may also be used in certain cases of venous malformations. "The foam, prepared using the Tessari technique, allows greater contact between the medication and the vein wall, increasing its effectiveness," the specialist explains.

Treatment Compatible with Daily Life

In the case of foam sclerotherapy, continuous use of an elastic support stocking for approximately one week is essential to ensure proper closure of the treated veins. Patients are also advised to walk for one hour after each session. "It is a treatment compatible with normal life, although it is very important not to remove the stocking during that period in order to optimize results," Dr. de Abajo emphasizes.

Thanks to these techniques, sclerotherapy has become established as a safe and effective option in the medical management of varicose veins, helping to improve venous health, quality of life, and overall patient well-being.