Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Is The Treatment For Varicose Vein During Pregnancy?

Hi Iam 32yrs old and had knee surgery about 10yrs ago the leg that I had the surgery on I have Develop bad varicose veins. Iam now pregnant so the weight is changeing I also have a sit down job, and would like to know what would you recommend I do about this they are just below my knee on my shin...but they are very painful and look worse then ever? Thank you for your advise Tami
Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Report Abuse
Pediatric Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi. Varicose veins in legs in your case may be due to various factors. First, the hormones which are being secreted in the pregnancy causes dilatation of the veins and so all veins throughout the body seems to become engorged, dilated and tortuous. Second, the increase in the fetal and uterine size put pressure over the abdominal vessels like inferior vena cava and obstructs the flow of the blood back from limbs towards the heart.
We cannot do anything to regulate the hormone status, because it is physiological. But, to increase the venous return, a lateral decubitus on lying down will help you.
Third, you are saying that you have pain in the leg, that may be due to either prolonged stasis of venous blood in the leg and can be sorted out by lateral decubitus or it can be due to superficial thrombophlebitis which presents as redness and pain for which you can apply heparin gel locally.
Apart from all this, please apply crappe bandage over both the lower limbs starting from toe to the thigh and remove it, every 2-3 hourly for 5-10 min and re-apply.
Usually, the condition will resolve as the pregnancy is over in just few days.
It has nothing to with previous knee surgery and usually, prolonged standing causes worsening of varicose veins and not the sitting.
Hope, you get well soon.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Vascular surgery


Loading Online Doctors....
What Is The Treatment For Varicose Vein During Pregnancy?

Hi. Varicose veins in legs in your case may be due to various factors. First, the hormones which are being secreted in the pregnancy causes dilatation of the veins and so all veins throughout the body seems to become engorged, dilated and tortuous. Second, the increase in the fetal and uterine size put pressure over the abdominal vessels like inferior vena cava and obstructs the flow of the blood back from limbs towards the heart. We cannot do anything to regulate the hormone status, because it is physiological. But, to increase the venous return, a lateral decubitus on lying down will help you. Third, you are saying that you have pain in the leg, that may be due to either prolonged stasis of venous blood in the leg and can be sorted out by lateral decubitus or it can be due to superficial thrombophlebitis which presents as redness and pain for which you can apply heparin gel locally. Apart from all this, please apply crappe bandage over both the lower limbs starting from toe to the thigh and remove it, every 2-3 hourly for 5-10 min and re-apply. Usually, the condition will resolve as the pregnancy is over in just few days. It has nothing to with previous knee surgery and usually, prolonged standing causes worsening of varicose veins and not the sitting. Hope, you get well soon.