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 blood flow, which 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 a serpentine curvature of the saphenous veins, as well as a bag-like increase in their lumen. The disease is observed in 17-25% of the population. In addition, women are affected by 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 influence of heredity on the appearance and development of varicose veins has not yet been proven. However, it is noted that some families quite often have varicose veins in several generations. It is noted that the dominant factors for the appearance of the disease are nutrition, specific lifestyle and changes in the hormonal cycle.
The main risk factor for the development of the disease is obesity, and the frequency of varicose veins increases depending on the severity of obesity.
Overweight is accompanied by a sedentary lifestyle and improperly organized nutrition. For example, in the modern world, processed foods predominate and there is a lack of consumption of plant fibers contained in raw vegetables, berries and fruits. Plant fiber is essential for strengthening vascular walls and lowering intra-abdominal pressure, which also helps reduce the risk of disease.
In addition to proper nutrition, the work process must be properly organized. As a rule, a person spends a significant period of his working time in a standing or sitting position, which has a bad effect on the functioning of the valvular apparatus of the veins. Heavy physical work associated with a heavy load on the legs when lifting heavy objects is considered equally unfavorable. Another risk factor affecting the development of the disease is long trips or flights, which are accompanied by the appearance of blood stagnation in the veins of the legs.
Another pressing cause of the disease is fashion. In this way, tight underwear compresses the veins in the area of the inguinal folds, and corsets significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure, which leads to varicose veins. Wearing high-heeled shoes is considered extremely harmful, especially in combination with uncomfortable arch supports.
A proven risk factor for venous disease is repeated pregnancy, which leads to changes in intra-abdominal pressure, while the hormone progesterone adversely affects the vein walls and destroys collagen and elastic fibers.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities
The main symptoms of this disease are:
- veins protruding under the skin,
- swelling
- leg pain, especially in the evening,
- I feel tired
- changes in the appearance of the skin - pigmentation, thickening,
- loss of skin elasticity, hair loss in the areas where varicose veins are located.
The main visible signs of varicose veins are bag-like or cylindrical enlargements of the superficial veins. The veins become unnaturally curved, protruding above the surface of the skin in the legs and feet. The largest varicose veins are fixed after prolonged physical work.
In the first stage of varicose veins, the symptoms are few and non-specific. The only symptom at this stage is a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Rapid fatigue, a burning sensation in the legs, which is alarming after physical activity, is also a concern. Sometimes along the veins there is short-term swelling and painful pain. It is characterized by a slight swelling of the back of the foot and ankles, which often occurs in the evening after prolonged monotonous exercise. In the morning, the swelling disappears without a trace and there is no visible expansion of the veins.
If these signs appear, it is imperative to consult a specialist in a timely manner, this will prevent the progression and development of the disease. With improper treatment, a neglected situation leads to chronic venous insufficiency.
An important symptom of venous insufficiency is cobwebs - a network of dilated capillaries (0. 1 mm or more) that are visible through the skin. Women consider such "stars" to be a cosmetic defect, but men simply do not notice them. Sometimes this is simply a manifestation of hormonal disorders, misuse of a sauna or solarium. However, in most cases, spider veins are one of the first signs of venous congestion and the development of enlargedveins If there is a relatively small area of such a violation on the skin, you should definitely consult a specialist.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
A vascular surgeon can diagnose varicose veins through a routine examination, ultrasound of the veins, as well as with the help of phlebography, which is the injection of special drugs into a vein and monitoring their reaction.
When you visit a doctor, you will be offered a special examination consisting of several procedures.
- Blood test (general), which will show the degree of thickening, blood clotting (propensity for thrombosis), the presence or absence of inflammation (confirmation of thrombophlebitis).
- Ultrasound of the veins, which identifies the affected areas. A vascular ultrasound is recommended to identify signs of varicose veins, even if spider veins have already appeared.
- Rheovasography is a method that determines insufficient blood supply (nutrition) to tissues through mathematical calculations. 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 very rarely used to assess the state of the venous system.
Varicose veins treatment methods
Treatment of varicose veins is quite difficult, so it is recommended to prevent them. Conservative treatment methods include special tablets and ointments prescribed by the doctor, wearing tights and socks with special ties. Surgical treatment of varicose veins is also possible, in which the varicose veins are removed by a person using the traction method. Laser therapy and sclerotherapy are considered very effective.
Varicose veins are extremely concerning for patients from a cosmetic point of view. Doctors think it is 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 of veins, relieve 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, moderately reducing work ability. Conservative therapy is carried out if surgical treatment is contraindicated. This method is also mandatory for the postoperative period to prevent recurrence of the disease.
Conservative treatment is:
- reducing the influence of risk factors,
- adequate physical activity,
- elastic compression,
- medicines,
- use of physical therapy.
People who have risk factors for the development of varicose veins or a hereditary predisposition should consult a phlebologist twice a year, undergoing an ultrasound scan of the veins.
With conservative treatment, it is necessary to constantly train 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 under the condition of elastic compression. Elastic compression is a conservative method of treating varicose veins using an elastic bandage or medical hosiery. It is contraindicated to engage in traumatic sports such as football, volleyball, etc.
For varicose veins, the use of phlebotonic drugs is recommended. The action of such drugs is aimed at strengthening the walls of the veins.
All folk remedies, including medicinal herbs, will never be as effective as pharmaceutical drugs. You should not self-medicate, any drug therapy is used only according to a doctor's prescription. Local treatment is performed only if there is no thrombosis or thrombophlebitis.
Surgical methods of treatment
Complete healing of varicose veins of the lower extremities is achieved only with surgical treatment.
The following surgical methods of treatment are used:
Phlebectomy— removal of varicose veins during surgery. This procedure is contraindicated if the patient has severe comorbidity or late stage varicose veins.
The operation is not performed during pregnancy, the presence of purulent processes in the body, as well as in the elderly.The use of endoscopic treatment methods makes such surgery as safe as possible, as well as cosmetically beneficial. The set of measures for rapid recovery after surgery depends entirely on the complexity of the surgical intervention, taking into account the general principles. The final seams are formed after 6 months, therefore, in order to avoid damage and cosmetic defects, it is necessary to exclude harsh mechanical effects on them (use of a hard sponge, tight, uncomfortable clothes). Do not wash with hot water. After surgery, elastic compression should be used for 6 months. In the future, compression knitwear will be needed for "harmful" loads (lifting weights, long trips).
sclerosis- injection into a vein of a special substance (sclerosant) that causes the venous walls to "stick" to stop blood flow. In this way, the cosmetic defect is removed, as the vein becomes invisible. This method is effective only when expanding small branches of the main venous trunks. After the venous sclerosis procedure, patients do not need rehabilitation.
Laser coagulation— destruction of the vein wall under the action of a laser, due to which the lumen of the veins is "sealed". Indicated for those whose veins dilate no more than 10 mm. The procedure requires anesthesia, early activation of the patient and long-term 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 carry out 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, running, cycling, swimming and performing simple exercises at work.
- Often keeping the legs in an elevated position.
- Dieting and weight monitoring.
- Wearing comfortable shoes with a heel size of no more than 4 cm, using orthopedic insoles is useful.
- When using estrogens, contraceptives or during pregnancy, you should undergo an ultrasound scan of the veins of the lower extremities.
Our health depends only on us, and in order to remain a happy person who is not worried about any diseases, it is important to carefully monitor your lifestyle, be physically active and eat right.