What is phleboarthrosic syndrome? This is the disorder that most affects menopausal women.
During menopause, you can experience physical and hormonal changes that go beyond hot flashes and mood swings. Specifically, we're talking about a condition that combines venous problems with joint pain , significantly impacting the quality of life of women in Spain. This condition can manifest itself in different ways, such as heavy legs or swelling, among others, and it particularly affects women over 50. Therefore, understanding its symptoms and addressing them early is key to improving well-being during this vital stage of life for women.
Phlebarthrosis syndrome can be confused with other rheumatic or circulatory disorders, which delays its diagnosis and treatment. For this reason, specialists emphasize the importance of discussing this disorder and its symptoms. Dr. Maya Gracia, a specialist in Vascular Medicine and Angiology and member of the Top Doctors Group, explains to Mujer.es everything we need to know about this condition, from the first signs to its prevention and treatment .
What is phleboarthrosic syndrome and how does it manifest?Before determining the symptoms or signs that warn us that we have phleboarthrosic syndrome, we must determine what it is exactly. According to Maya Gracia, it consists of the combination of two pathologies: venous insufficiency and joint problems. " It is more common in postmenopausal women , especially if they are overweight, obese, have osteoporosis, and have a sedentary lifestyle, since these are the risk factors that favor its onset," she points out.
The signs and symptoms of this condition include those of Chronic Venous Insufficiency, namely varicose veins, swelling, heaviness, and a feeling of tired legs. These symptoms can become complicated by thrombosis, phlebitis, varicose vein bleeding, and ulcers if not treated properly. This disorder can also manifest itself through symptoms of joint problems : pain, joint stiffness, and loss of mobility in the lower extremities.
Treatment and prevention of phleboarthrosic syndrome
The diagnosis and treatment of phleboarthrosic syndrome is multidisciplinary. The vascular physician must perform a physical examination and a venous Doppler ultrasound to diagnose venous pathology and determine the degree of venous insufficiency. The rheumatologist, for his part, "must perform a physical examination, request X-rays, ultrasounds, and a bone densitometry test," the professional points out.
Prevention is essential. Women after menopause should maintain a healthy diet and a healthy weight , as well as exercise daily to prevent its onset. Some exercises recommended by experts during this stage include squats, lunges, strength training, and more. Regarding the treatment of phleboarthrosic syndrome, the expert mentions that it is usually multidisciplinary and should include:
- Weight loss : low-calorie diet, adequate exercise (patients should be explained the importance of physical exercise and walking for at least 1 hour a day), and increasing muscle mass.
- Treat venous insufficiency : if necessary, varicose veins should be treated with the most appropriate technique depending on the type of varicose veins the patient has. Elastic compression should be used; although it is difficult to apply it when there are osteoarthritis problems, we must work with the orthopedic specialist to find the best solution for the patient.
- Treatment of osteoarthritis : physiotherapy, analgesics, corticosteroids, and surgical intervention if necessary.
As the doctor has expressed, following a good diet from the age of 50 is essential to prevent not only phleboarthrosic syndrome, but also for the prevention of other diseases and the reduction of menopause symptoms. Nutritionist Sandra Moñino, in the podcast With Ginger and Lemon , revealed the foods that cannot be missed when women enter this natural stage of life. Firstly, she talks about Omega 3 as the number one food , "because it is anti-inflammatory, and we already know that inflammation increases within our bodies during menopause," she adds.
In this way, if we reduce inflammation, we will have an easier time losing weight, regulating hot flashes... In short, all the symptoms of menopause are regulated by establishing a reduction in inflammation in our body. We can find Omega 3 in fish such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, which "also contain less mercury and the Omega 3 is more concentrated," she emphasizes. We also can't forget protein , which should be present in every meal: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, if we eat three meals.
Fats in general are essential , such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut, avocado, nuts, cocoa... These fats also contain a large amount of magnesium, which is essential during menopause, as it helps us manage hot flashes, regulate our body's thermoregulation, and prevent insomnia, which is so common during this phase . The specialist also highlights foods like saffron to regulate hot flashes, but it should be consumed in supplements.
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