Varicose veins can appear in different parts of the body, but the most common are varicose veins of the lower extremities. This disease is characterized by a violation of the blood flow that stagnates in the veins of the legs. In medicine, varicose veins of the lower extremities are interpreted as a disease accompanied by an increase in length, the appearance of serpentine folds of the saphenous veins, as well as a sac-like increase in their lumen. The disease is noted in 17-25% of the population. Moreover, women suffer from this disease 3 times more often than men.
Causes of the disease
The main causes of the disease are:
- heredity;
- old age;
- overweight;
- wearing tight underwear as well as uncomfortable, especially tight, high-heeled shoes.
The effect of heredity on the formation and development of varicose veins has not yet been proven. However, it is noted that in some families, varicose veins are quite common in several generations. It is noted that the predominant factors in the onset of the disease are nutrition, a specific lifestyle, and changes in the hormonal cycle.
The main risk factor in the development of the disease is obesity, and the frequency of varicose veins increases depending on the severity of obesity.
Excess weight is accompanied by a sedentary lifestyle and improper nutrition. For example, the modern world is dominated by processed foods and there is a lack of consumption of plant fibers found in raw vegetables, berries and fruits. Plant fiber is important for strengthening blood vessel walls and reducing intra-abdominal pressure, which helps reduce the risk of disease.
In addition to proper nutrition, the work process should also be properly organized. As a rule, a person spends a significant amount of time in a standing or sitting position, which has a bad effect on the work of the valvular apparatus. Heavy physical work associated with a heavy load on the legs while lifting heavy objects is considered equally unfavorable. Another risk factor affecting the development of the disease is a long trip or flight, accompanied by the appearance of blood stagnation in the leg veins.
Another actual cause of the disease is fashion. Thus, tight underwear compresses the veins in the groin area, and corsets significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure and cause varicose veins. Wearing high heels is considered quite harmful, especially in combination with uncomfortable arch supports.
A proven risk factor for venous disease is repeated pregnancy, which causes changes in intra-abdominal pressure, while progesterone hormone has a negative effect on the vessel walls and destroys collagen and elastic fibers.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities
The main symptoms of this disease are:
- veins under the skin,
- swelling,
- pain in the legs, especially in the evening,
- feeling tired
- changes in the appearance of the skin - pigmentation, thickening,
- loss of elasticity of the skin, hair loss in places where the dilated veins are located.
The main visible signs of varicose veins are saccular or cylindrical enlargement of superficial veins. Veins are unnaturally tortuous, protruding above the surface of the skin in the legs and feet. The biggest varicose veins are fixed after long physical work.
In the first stage of varicose veins, the symptoms are few and non-specific. The only symptom of this stage is a feeling of heaviness in the legs. In addition, there is rapid fatigue, a burning sensation in the legs, which is uncomfortable after physical activity. Sometimes there is short-term swelling and painful pain along the veins. It is characterized by slight swelling of the back of the feet and ankles, which often occurs in the evening after long monotonous exercise. In the morning, the swelling passes without a trace, and there is no visible expansion of the vessels.
If these symptoms appear, it is important to consult a specialist in time, this will prevent the development and progression of the disease. In the case of incorrect treatment, a neglected condition results in chronic venous insufficiency.
An important sign of venous insufficiency is spider veins - a network of enlarged capillaries (0. 1 mm or more) visible through the skin. Women consider such "stars" a cosmetic defect, but men simply do not see them. Sometimes this is only a manifestation of hormonal disorders, sauna or solarium abuse. However, in most cases, spider veins are one of the first signs of vascular occlusion and the development of varicose veins. If there is a relatively small area of such a disorder on the skin, you should definitely consult a specialist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
A vascular surgeon can diagnose varicose veins by regular examination, ultrasound of the veins, as well as using phlebography, which injects special drugs into the vein and monitors their response.
When you visit the doctor, you will be offered a special examination consisting of several procedures.
- A blood test (general) that will show the degree of clotting, the degree of blood clotting (susceptibility to thrombosis), the presence of inflammation (confirming thrombophlebitis).
- Ultrasound of the veins, which identifies the affected areas. Even if spider veins are already visible, vascular ultrasound is recommended to identify signs of varicose veins.
- Reovasography is a method of determining the lack of tissue blood supply (nutrition) by means of mathematical calculation. This is how the stage of the disease is determined, which is necessary for choosing treatment methods.
- Surgical methods such as venography (see above) are used very rarely to assess the state of the venous system.
Methods of treatment of varicose veins
Varicose veins are very difficult to treat, so prevention is recommended. Conservative treatment methods include special tablets and ointments prescribed by the doctor, wearing tights and socks with special boots. Surgical treatment of varicose veins is also possible, where the enlarged veins are removed from a person by traction. Laser therapy and sclerotherapy are considered very effective.
Varicose veins are extremely disturbing to patients from a cosmetic point of view. Doctors consider it necessary to perform an operation. To reduce the risk of complications and speed up recovery, specialists prescribe a special micronized drug that helps to increase the tone in the veins, eliminate inflammatory reactions and stimulate lymph flow.
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins is successful only at the beginning of the disease, if the skin manifestations are mild and moderately reduce work capacity. If surgical treatment is contraindicated, conservative therapy is performed. This method is also mandatory for the postoperative period to prevent recurrence of the disease.
Conservative treatment:
- reduce the impact of risk factors,
- adequate physical activity,
- elastic compression,
- drugs,
- use of physiotherapy.
People with risk factors or hereditary predisposition to the development of varicose veins should undergo an ultrasound examination of the veins twice a year and consult a phlebologist.
With conservative treatment, you need to constantly exercise the veins, keep your feet elevated for a long time and wear only comfortable, comfortable shoes.
Walking is indicated, as well as swimming or cycling. Physical activity should be performed only in conditions of elastic compression. Elastic compression is a conservative method of treating varicose veins using an elastic bandage or medical knitwear. It is contraindicated to engage in traumatic sports such as football, volleyball and others.
It is recommended to use phlebotonic drugs for varicose veins. The action of such drugs is aimed at strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
All folk remedies, including medicinal plants, will never be as effective as pharmaceutical drugs. You should not self-medicate, any drug treatment is used only as prescribed by a doctor. Local treatment is carried out only in the absence of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis.
Surgical treatment methods
Complete treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities is achieved only by surgical treatment.
The following surgical treatment methods are used:
Phlebectomy— removal of varicose veins during surgery. This procedure is contraindicated if the patient has a severe concomitant disease or a late stage of varicose veins.
The operation is not performed during pregnancy, in the presence of purulent processes in the body, or for elderly people.The use of endoscopic treatment methods makes such an operation as safe as possible, and it is also cosmetically beneficial. The complex of measures for rapid recovery after surgery depends entirely on the complexity of the surgical operation, taking into account the general principles. The last seams are formed after 6 months, therefore, to avoid damage and cosmetic defects, it is necessary to exclude rough mechanical effects on them (using a hard sponge, tight, uncomfortable clothes). Do not wash with hot water. Elastic compression should be applied for 6 months after surgery. In the future, compression knitwear will be needed for "harmful" loads (heavy loads, long journeys).
Sclerosis- injecting a special substance (sclerosant) into the vein, which causes the venous walls to "stick" to stop the blood flow. In this way, the cosmetic defect is eliminated, because the vein becomes invisible. This method is effective only when expanding the small branches of the main venous trunks. After the vascular sclerosis procedure, patients do not need rehabilitation.
Laser coagulation- the destruction of the vessel wall under the influence of the laser, thanks to which the lumen of the vessels is "sealed". Vascular dilatation is indicated for those who do not exceed 10 mm. The procedure requires anesthesia, early patient activation, and prolonged elastic compression.
Prevention of varicose veins of the lower extremities
Currently, great importance is attached to the prevention of varicose veins. It is necessary to regularly perform simple measures that can significantly reduce not only the risk of occurrence, but also the development and progression of the disease.
- Active lifestyle, measured alternation of long static loads with other types of physical activity such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming and simple exercises at work.
- Keeping the legs elevated frequently.
- Maintain a diet and monitor your weight.
- It is useful to wear comfortable shoes with a heel size of no more than 4 cm, to use orthopedic insoles.
- When using estrogens, contraceptives or during pregnancy, it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound examination of the veins of the lower extremities.
Our health depends only on us, and in order to remain a happy person without worrying about any disease, it is important to carefully control your lifestyle, be physically active and eat right.