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 outflow of blood, which stagnates in the veins of the legs. In medicine, varicose veins of the lower extremities are interpreted as a disease that is accompanied by an increase in length, the appearance of serpentine tortuosity of the saphenous veins, as well as a bag-shaped increase in theirlight. The disease is observed in 17 to 25% of the population. Moreover, women are affected by this disease 3 times more often than men.
Causes of disease
The main causes of the disease are:
- heredity;
- advanced age;
- overweight;
- wear tight underwear, as well as uncomfortable, particularly narrow high-heeled shoes.
The influence of heredity on the appearance and development of varicose veins has not yet been proven. However, we see that some families have varicose veins quite often over several generations. It should be noted that the predominant factors in the occurrence of the disease are nutrition, specific lifestyle and changes in the hormonal cycle.
The main risk factor in the development of the disease is obesity, and the incidence of varicose veins increases depending on the severity of obesity.
Excess weight is accompanied by a sedentary lifestyle and a poorly organized diet. For example, in the modern world, processed foods predominate, and the consumption of plant fibers contained in raw vegetables, berries and fruits is insufficient. Plant fibers are essential for strengthening vascular walls and reducing intra-abdominal pressure, which also helps reduce the risk of disease.
In addition to proper nutrition, the labor 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 detrimental effect on the functioning of the valvular apparatus of the veins. Heavy physical labor associated with a significant load on the legs when lifting heavy objects is considered equally unfavorable. Another risk factor influencing the development of the disease is long trips or flights, which are accompanied by the appearance of stagnation of blood in the veins of the legs.
Another pressing cause of the disease is fashion. So, tight underwear compresses the veins in the inguinal folds, and corsets significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure, leading to the appearance of 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, leading to changes in intra-abdominal pressure, while the hormone progesterone negatively affects the vein walls and destroys collagen and elastic fibers.
Symptoms of varicose veins of the lower limbs
The main symptoms of this disease are:
- veins protruding 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 skin elasticity, hair loss in areas where enlarged veins are located.
The main visible signs of varicose veins are sac-shaped or cylindrical dilatations of the superficial veins. The veins become abnormally tortuous and protrude above the surface of the skin in the legs and feet. Larger varicose veins are repaired 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. Rapid fatigue, a burning sensation in the legs, worrying after physical activity, is also a cause for concern. Sometimes short-term swelling and aching pain occurs along the veins. Characterized by slight swelling of the dorsum 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 no visible expansion of the veins is observed.
If these signs appear, it is imperative to consult a specialist in time, this will prevent the progression and development of the disease. In case of improper treatment, a neglected situation leads to chronic venous insufficiency.
Spider veins, a network of dilated capillaries (0. 1 mm or more) visible through the skin, are an important symptom of venous insufficiency. Women consider these "stars" to be an aesthetic defect, but men simply do not notice them. Sometimes it is simply a manifestation of hormonal disorders, abuse of sauna or solarium. However, in most cases, spider veins are one of the first signs of venous congestion 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 through a routine examination, ultrasound of the veins and also with the help of venography, which involves injecting special medications into a vein and monitoring their reaction.
During your visit to the doctor, you will be offered a special examination consisting of several procedures.
- A blood test (general), which will show the degree of thickening, blood clotting (susceptibility to thrombosis), the presence or absence of inflammation (confirming thrombophlebitis).
- Ultrasound of the veins, which identifies the affected areas. It is recommended to perform a vascular ultrasound 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 by 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 very rarely used to assess the condition of the venous system.
Methods for treating varicose veins
Treatment of varicose veins is quite difficult, so prevention is recommended. Conservative treatment methods include special tablets and ointments prescribed by the doctor, wearing tights and stockings with special cords. Surgical treatment of varicose veins is also possible, in which enlarged veins are removed from a person using the traction method. Laser therapy and sclerotherapy are considered very effective.
Varicose veins are extremely concerning to patients from an aesthetic point of view. Doctors believe that an operation is necessary. To reduce the risk of complications and speed up healing, specialists prescribe a special micronized drug that helps increase the tone of veins, relieve inflammatory reactions and stimulate lymphatic flow.
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical treatment of varicose veins is effective only at the beginning of the disease, if the skin manifestations are mild and moderately reduce working capacity. Conservative treatment is carried out if surgical treatment is contraindicated. This method is also mandatory for the postoperative period in order to prevent recurrence of the disease.
Conservative treatment is:
- reduce the influence of risk factors,
- adequate physical activity,
- elastic compression,
- medication,
- use of physiotherapy.
People with risk factors for developing varicose veins or a hereditary predisposition should consult a phlebologist twice a year by performing an ultrasound of the veins.
With conservative treatment, it is necessary to constantly train the veins, keep the feet elevated for a long time and wear only comfortable, comfortable shoes.
Walking is represented, as well as swimming or cycling. Physical activity should only be practiced under elastic compression conditions. Elastic compression is a conservative method of treating varicose veins using an elastic bandage or medical knitwear. It is contraindicated to play traumatic sports such as football, volleyball and others.
For varicose veins, it is recommended to use phlebotonic drugs. The action of these 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 treatment is used only as prescribed by a doctor. Local treatment is carried out only in the absence of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis.
Surgical methods of treatment
Complete cure of varicose veins of the lower extremities is achieved only with surgical treatment.
The following surgical treatment methods are used:
Phlebectomy— elimination of varicose veins during surgery. This procedure is contraindicated if the patient has a serious concomitant disease or an advanced stage of varicose veins.
The operation is not performed during pregnancy, in the presence of purulent processes in the body or in elderly people.The use of endoscopic treatment methods makes such an operation as safe as possible and aesthetically beneficial. The set of measures aimed at rapid recovery after surgery depends entirely on the complexity of the surgical intervention, while taking into account general principles. The final seams are formed after 6 months. Therefore, in order to avoid damage and aesthetic defects, it is necessary to exclude brutal mechanical impacts on them (use of a hard sponge, tight and uncomfortable clothing). Do not wash with hot water. After surgery, elastic compression should be used for 6 months. Tomorrow, compression stockings will be necessary for "harmful" loads (carrying heavy loads, long journeys).
Sclerosis- injection into a vein of a special substance (sclerosant) which causes the vein walls to "stick together" to stop blood circulation. In this way, the aesthetic defect is removed, since the vein becomes invisible. This method is only effective 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, thanks to which the lumen of the veins is "sealed". Indicated for those whose vein dilation does not exceed 10 mm. The procedure requires anesthesia, early activation of the patient and long-term elastic compression.
Prevention of varicose veins of the lower limbs
Currently, great importance is given to the prevention of varicose veins. It is necessary to regularly take simple measures that can significantly reduce not only the risk of occurrence, but also the development and progression of the disease.
- An 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.
- Frequently hold your legs in an elevated position.
- Maintain a diet and watch your weight.
- It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes with a heel no higher than 4 cm and use orthopedic insoles.
- 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 to remain a happy person who is not bothered by any illness, it is important to carefully monitor your lifestyle, be physically active and eat right.