The problem of varicose veins in women is one of the most common problems in the world. This pathology occurs in 80% of women for several reasons - genetic predisposition, hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle and excess weight. When using an integrated approach, varicose veins on the legs in women are successfully treated - the main thing is to take all the necessary measures in time.
Causes of varicose veins
Experts identify several common causes of varicose veins:
- Hereditary tendency is often transmitted through the female line - in 75% of patients with varicose veins, relatives (grandmothers, mothers) encountered the same problem. At the same time, varicose veins of the legs in women are not hereditary, but congenital pathologies of the structure of the vessels are observed (weakness of the vessel walls, low valves, etc. ).
- Often, the cause of varicose veins in women is associated with an unbalanced rhythm of life. Constantly wearing high-heeled shoes, sedentary work, lack of physical activity, or excessive loading of the legs due to prolonged standing causes a decrease in vascular tone and stagnation of blood in the veins. Blood vessels dilate to compensate for this imbalance, and women still experience bloating and heaviness.
- Hormonal imbalance can also contribute to the development of varicose veins in women. This is due to hormonal fluctuations from one menstrual period to another, the use of oral contraceptives, etc.
- The appearance of varicose veins can be associated with pregnancy and labor. At this time, the constantly growing child squeezes the pelvic vessels, and the amount of blood and hormones in the woman's body increases. Under the influence of such factors, the ligaments of the female pelvis become more flexible, the stretching of the vessels and their walls increases.
If a woman has problems with her veins before pregnancy, it can ultimately affect her course. Pregnant women with varicose veins are at risk of postpartum hemorrhage, premature discharge of amniotic fluid, and low birth weight. Therefore, in case of any pathology of veins or hereditary tendency during pregnancy, it should be observed by a phlebologist.
Symptoms of varicose veins in women
From the point of view of modern phlebology, venous lesions take into account both any functional changes in the venous system, as well as long-term symptoms and signs that indicate the need for examination and treatment of patients. The list of symptoms of pathology in the veins includes pain, cramps, heaviness, fullness, tingling and fatigue in the legs.
In turn, signs of vascular damage include:
- venous reflux,
- telangiectasia,
- reticular vessels,
- swelling,
- skin pigmentation,
- phlebeurism,
- venous ulcers.
Our numerous observations show that the symptoms of vascular diseases can manifest both in the early stages of the pathological process, and significantly before and significantly after the formation of venous reflux or varicose transformation.
In most cases, early clinical manifestations of varicose veins are limited to telangiectasia or reticular varicose veins. Aggravation of venous hypertension, inflammatory changes in the walls and their valves lead to the formation of a typical symptom complex:
- increased fatigue,
- heavy legs at the end of the day,
- pain,
- burning
- cramps in calf muscles.
Hyperpigmentation of the skin progresses due to pathological changes in the vessels, lipodermatosclerosis is noted with thinning of the skin and thickening of the subcutaneous fat tissue. An increase in the severity of trophic disorders is associated with the formation of dry or weeping eczema and, as a result, venous ulcers.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are based on venous hypertension and inflammation in the system, which prevents normal blood flow and causes disturbances in the microcirculation bed. The leading role in the development of hypertension is played by changes in the structure of the venous wall (collagen/elastin ratio) and the hormonal state of the body, hemodynamic changes, congenital or acquired insufficiency of the valvular apparatus.
Long-term hypertension leads to the emergence of endothelial dysfunction, which is accompanied by the activation and adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells, enhanced by the production of pro-inflammatory mediators responsible for damage to the walls and the appearance of valvular insufficiency; increased capillary permeability, as well as pain in the lower extremities. In the absence of adequate treatment, it is important to consider that the pathological process in the vascular bed progresses continuously.
What is the prevention of varicose veins?
Preventive measures in the fight against varicose veins have 2 goals.
The first is to prevent the development of the disease in women who are prone to it. If there is at least one risk factor for the appearance of varicose veins, all of them can be prevented, so there is no need to wait for the appearance of ugly clusters on the legs, unpleasant symptoms and further complications. Secondly, in the case of existing varicose veins, prevention will help prevent the development of the disease and the development of complications. In any of the two cases, preventive measures include the elimination of risk factors for the development of varicose veins and their minimization, which can only be achieved by changing several aspects of life:
- First of all, it is necessary to reduce the weight to the norm with diet correction and exercise. When playing sports, it is better to prefer to exercise on sports machines in a lying or lying position. Such exercise practically does not put long-term stress on the superficial veins of the legs, at the same time it strengthens the muscles and improves blood circulation.
- Avoid prolonged stress on the legs - sitting, standing, lifting heavy objects. If such a regime is caused by the characteristics of a woman's work, it is worth taking breaks as often as possible, doing special gymnastics, going up and down the stairs on foot.
- When resting or sleeping, you should keep your feet 15 cm above the level of the heart. Just use small pillows or cushions to achieve this position.
- Review your wardrobe. She should not wear clothes that restrict movement in the hips and shoulders, or shoes with heels higher than 4 cm or flat heels. This does not mean that a woman should completely abandon tight dresses and beautiful high heels - just choose more comfortable clothes for everyday wear, and leave the rest for special occasions.
- Fans of exotic tanning should avoid regular visits to the solarium and prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Foot care is also important in preventing varicose veins. A cool shower with an emphasis on the feet and a night massage of the legs and feet are helpful. In addition, you can use special massage baths and small massagers, cooling gels for feet.
- A good prevention of varicose veins is elastic compression - special socks, tights and knee socks. Under the influence of compression stockings, the speed of blood flow increases and venous congestion disappears. The choice of knitting should be made by a phlebologist in strict accordance with special tables.
What treatment is prescribed for women?
The modern treatment strategy for women with varicose veins is based on the use of an integrated approach aimed at reducing the negative impact of risk factors and changing lifestyle. In addition, various methods of surgical correction of venous pathology, laser therapy and sclerotherapy are widely used. With the help of such modern techniques, you can not only restore women's health, but also make their legs beautiful and light again thanks to aesthetic correction.
By contacting a phlebologist at a specialized medical center, using advanced techniques and equipment, you can get a complete diagnosis of the condition of the venous system, comprehensive treatment of varicose veins and any other similar pathologies. Modern methods of getting rid of vascular problems are designed to make the healing process quick, painless and non-traumatic for women. Medical centers are established to make women's lives healthy and therefore happy. Be active, full of strength and energy, and the specialists of any qualified clinic will help you in this.